Wave Motions in the Ocean and Atmosphere OpenCourseWare: MIT's Free Graduate Level Course on Geophysical Wave Motion

Published Jan 26, 2009

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Study the essentials of geophysical wave motion with, 'Wave Motions in the Ocean and Atmosphere,' an OpenCourseWare offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In this free online course, students will explore a range of topics spanning from gravity waves to thermodynamics. Offered at the graduate level, this course is suitable for those interested in a master's degree in Geophysics or Atmospheric Science.

Wave Motions in the Ocean and Atmosphere: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Graduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Wave Motions in the Ocean and Atmosphere: Course Description

The study of wave motions is a multi-faceted research field that has applications pertaining to dynamics, kinematics and phase. Participants of this OpenCourseWare will explore geophysical wave motions with regard to motion within fluids, such as waters of the ocean and gases of the atmosphere. Professor Glenn Flierl will lead students through a range of topics, beginning with basic concepts related to the kinematics of wave motion, such as frequency and phase. Students also study surface gravity waves, potential vorticity and large-scale hydrostatic motions. Students will have the opportunity to begin exploring more advanced concepts, such as the vertical structure equation and stratified quasi-geostrophic motion. Lecture notes are provided for each topic. This OpenCourseWare includes a list of reference books aimed at providing additional insight to the course material.

A comprehensive set of lecture notes is available for free online and serves as the main materials for this course. Detailed information can be found at the Wave Motions in the Ocean and Atmosphere course home page.

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