Using a rotating table to reproduce a deep western boundary current
Detta är ett förslag på examensarbete för kandidat- eller masternivå vid Institutionen för marina vetenskaper. Examensarbeten vid Institutionen för marina vetenskaper görs självständigt och bedöms individuellt.
Subject: Oceanography
Level: Bachelor (15hp)
Location: Gothenburg
Supervisor: Fabien Roquet
Project background
Deep western boundary currents (DWBCs) are fundamental components of the global ocean circulation system, playing a crucial role in the redistribution of heat, salt, and nutrients throughout the world's oceans. These currents, which flow along the western boundaries of ocean basins at significant depths, are driven by a complex interplay of physical processes including wind stress, density gradients, and the Earth's rotation.
Understanding DWBCs is essential for comprehending the dynamics of the ocean-climate system. They serve as conduits for the transport of heat from the equator towards the poles, influencing regional and global climate patterns. Additionally, DWBCs play a vital role in the oceanic carbon cycle, affecting the uptake and storage of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Project description
In this project, the student will use a rotating tank to reproduce a deep western boundary current, with the aim to check the validity of the Stommel-Arons theory (Stommel and Arons, 1960, see also Vallis 2021, chapter 21.5). A protocol is available on the website Thermohaline circulation)
The present project is one amongst many potential topics that can be tackled with a rotating table as part of a Bachelor’s project (see examples on weathertank.mit.edu). Students are welcome to contact me if they have other ideas of projects involving a rotating table. The rotating table is installed in a lab room in Natrium.
Skills
- Explore fundamental notions of Fluid Dynamics applied to the ocean
- Learn how to plan and carry out a lab experiment
- Data analysis with a scientific programming tool
Contact
Fabien Roquet
Professor
E-mail: fabien.roquet@gu.se
References / Links
Stommel, H., Arons, A.B., 1960. On the abyssal circulation of the world ocean—I. Stationary planetary flow patterns on a sphere. Deep Sea Research (1953) 6, 140–154. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0146-6313(59)90065-6
Vallis, G.K., 2006. Atmospheric and oceanic fluid dynamics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.