Physical Oceanography of Continental Shelves

by K.H. Brink

Overview

An authoritative graduate textbook and professional reference on the physical dynamics of the coastal ocean

This book provides an up-to-date, systematic treatment of the processes governing the velocity, pressure, temperature, and salinity of the coastal ocean. Written by a leading expert with decades of experience with theory, observations, and numerical models, it builds on the idea that knowledge of fundamental phenomena allows for an understanding of continental shelf waters globally. Featuring a wealth of ocean observations from a wide variety of locales, Physical Oceanography of Continental Shelves is an essential resource for both students and researchers on this critical region of the world’s oceans.

• Covers the physical dynamics and properties of the coastal ocean, synthesizing theory and global observations
• Topics include turbulent boundary layers, wind driving, coastal-trapped waves, the inner shelf, tides, buoyancy currents, instabilities, and connections with the deep open ocean
• Ideal for graduate students in physical oceanography
• Includes exercises to strengthen understanding and draws on the author’s experience teaching the subject
• A must for oceanographers and engineers seeking a comprehensive synthesis of continental shelf processes

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691236452
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	09/12/2023
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

K. H. Brink is an emeritus scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and former president of the Oceanography Society. A leading expert on continental shelf physical oceanography and related phenomena in deeper water, he has chaired the National Academies’ Ocean Studies Board, edited the Journal of Marine Research, and coedited The Sea.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Readable and informative. Observations motivate problems and justify assumptions, but also provide guidance on the limitations of idealized solutions, while the narrative sections of each chapter make the math relevant. This concise, up-to-date textbook has virtually everything a student needs for a course on coastal ocean physics.”—John Wilkin, Rutgers University

“This is the most comprehensive textbook on the subject that I know of, covering the theoretical aspects of continental-shelf dynamics while providing solutions to numerous cases beyond basic physical oceanography and many examples of related observations. It will be a great resource for students and scientists alike.”—Tal Ezer, Old Dominion University

“This excellent textbook draws on Brink’s vast treasure chest of original research that he conducted over the past fifty years with his students and collaborators, and neatly develops the intellectual basis of modern coastal oceanography.”—Andreas Muenchow, University of Delaware