With the advent of computers, novel instruments, satellite technology, and increasingly powerful modeling tools, we know more about the ocean than ever before. Yet we also have a new generation of oceanographers who have become increasingly distanced from the object of their study. Ever fewer scientists collect the observational data on which they base their research. Instead, many download information without always fully understanding how far removed it is from the original data, with opportunity for great misinterpretation. This textbook introduces modern physical oceanography to beginning graduate students in marine sciences and experienced practitioners in allied fields. Real observations are strongly emphasized, as are their implications for understanding the behavior of the global ocean. Written by a leading physical oceanographer, Modern Observational Physical Oceanography explains what the observational revolution of the past twenty-five years has taught us about the real, changing fluid ocean. Unlike any other book, it provides a broad and accessible treatment of the subject, covering everything from modern methods of observation and data analysis to the fluid dynamics and modeling of ocean processes and variability. Fully illustrated in color throughout, the book describes the fundamental concepts that are needed before delving into more advanced topics, including internal-inertial waves, tides, balanced motions, and large-scale circulation physics. * Provides an accessible introduction to modern physical oceanography* Written by a leading physical oceanographer* Emphasizes real observations of the fluid ocean* Features hundreds of color illustrations* An online illustration package is available to professors

About the Author
Carl Wunsch is the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physical Oceanography, Emeritus, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a long-term visiting professor at Harvard University. His books include Discrete Inverse and State Estimation Problems: With Geophysical Fluid Applications and The Ocean Circulation Inverse Problem. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a foreign member of the Royal Society.

Reviews
Honorable Mention for the 2016 PROSE Award in Textbook/Physical Sciences & Mathematics, Association of American Publishers "[Wunsch's] latest book breaks new ground for an oceanographic text in successfully describing what observations have taught us about the ocean as a time-varying system... A major strength of the book is its clear discussion of what can safely be concluded from observations... In several places in Modern Observational Physical Oceanography, I read with real pleasure about some new insight or neatly described analysis, and I enjoyed diversions such as the discussion of paleotides and the increase by 1.7 microseconds per century in a day's length mostly due to tidal friction. This widely interesting book will be of value to anyone wishing to know more about how to observe the ocean, interpret the data, and gain insights on ocean behavior and on how oceanographers reach their understanding of it."--Stuart A. Cunningham, Physics Today "For physical scientists and engineers interested in oceanography, this book will be a resource for years to come."--S. R. Fegley, Choice "Whether the reader is a graduate student in physical oceanography, or a career scientist working in the field, they will find a wealth of material expertly and accessibly presented... An invaluable companion in teaching and research in ocean dynamics."--Andrew J. Willmott, Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics



Book Information
ISBN 9780691158822
Author Carl Wunsch
Format Hardback
Page Count 512
Imprint Princeton University Press
Publisher Princeton University Press
Weight(grams) 1616g