The Physics of the Oceans

The oceans cover two thirds of the Earth and play a pivotal role in our lives in general and in the climate crisis in particular. Initially, humans understood the oceans through observations. The regularity of currents could be used to plan shipping routes, and this facilitated travel and trade. It is only in the last century that physicists, now referred to as physical oceanographers, have studied the oceans to understand the basic physical mechanisms that drive the motion, and this allows us to predict future states of the oceans.

In this colloquium, I will give a brief overview of what has been observed in the oceans for hundreds of years. Then, we will discuss some oceanic processes such as why all the oceans have western intensified currents that transport water towards the poles.  Finally, I will discuss qualitatively, how the ideas of conservation of mass and momentum can be used to derive the equations that describe oceanic processes.  Even though these equations have been well known for almost two hundred years, finding solutions to these equations has been deemed one of the most challenging problems in mathematics. This talk will not require any advanced physics knowledge but will demonstrate how even first year calculus can help us understand subtle phenomena in the world about us. 

All are welcome to attend!