EAS 212: The Oceans - Earth and Atmospheric Sciences - University ...

EAS 212: The Oceans2009/2010 Section B1 MWF 1200 1250 TLB2Instructor: Dr. Paul Myers Office: Tory 2-98Phone: 492-6706Email: pmyers@ualberta.caOffice Hours: MWF 1100-1150Course Web Page access: EAS212 through eClassObjectives: 1) Introduction to the field of ocean sciences. 2) Description of theoceans (including water mass composition, evolution, circulation, the concepts oftemperature, salinity, pressure, heat storage and sedimentation). 3) The role of the oceansin climate change. 4) Interactions between the oceans and the other elements of theclimate system.Prerequisite: Any 100 level Science courseText Book: Douglas A. Segar, Introduction to Ocean Sciences, 2 nd Edition, 2007,NortonEvaluation: Quizzes (2) 40%Final 60%Your final grade in this course will be a combination of your numerical score and the Uof A 4-point scale as given below>90% A+85-90% A80-85% A-75-80% B+70-75% B65-70% B-60-64% C+55-59% C50-55% D

Deferred Final Examination: A student who cannot write the finalexamination due to incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or other compellingreasons can apply for a deferred final examination. Such an application must be made tothe student’s Faculty office within 48 hours of the missed examination and must besupported by a completed University of Alberta Medical Statement Form or otherappropriate documentation (Calendar section 23.5.6). Deferred examinations are aprivilege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferred examination will begranted. Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a deferred examination is a serious breach ofthe Code of Student Behaviour.Past Evaluative Material: A copy of a quiz from a previous year will be postedon the course eClass website at least one week prior to the first quiz.Recording of Lectures: Recording is permitted only with the prior writtenconsent of the professor or if recording is part of an approved accommodation planStudents with Disabilities: Students who require accommodations in thiscourse due to a disability affecting mobility, vision, hearing, learning or mental orphysical health are advised to discuss their needs with Specialized Support and DisabilityServices, 2-800 Students’ Union BuildingAcademic Support Centre: Students who require additional help indeveloping strategies for better time management, study skills or examination skillsshould contact the Academic Support Centre (2-703 Students’ Union Building).Additional Required Statements:1) Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the UniversityCalendar.2) The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academicintegrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standardsregarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in thisrespect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with theprovisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online atwww.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any behaviour which couldpotentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of factsand/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence andcan result in suspension or expulsion from the University.3) All forms of dishonesty are unacceptable at the University. Any offense will bereported to the Senior Associate Dean of Science who will determine thedisciplinary action to be taken. Cheating, plagiarism and misrepresentation offacts are serious offenses. Anyone who engages in these practices will receive atminimum a grade of zero for the exam or paper in question and no opportunitywill be given to replace the grade or redistribute the weights. As well, in theFaculty of Science the sanction for cheating on any examination will include adisciplinary failing grade (no exceptions) and senior students should expect aperiod of suspension or expulsion from the University of Alberta

Tentative Course Schedule:January 6: Course IntroductionJanuary 8: Studying the Ocean - BathymetryJanuary 11: Waves in the Open OceanJanuary 13: Waves in Shallow Water and CoastsJanuary 15: TsunamisJanuary 18: Heat BudgetJanuary 20: Introduction to the Atmosphere and the Coriolis affectJanuary 22: Large-Scale Atmospheric CirculationJanuary 25: Observing the OceanJanuary 27: Temperature and SalinityJanuary 29: Properties of WaterFebruary 1: Quiz #1February 3: Mixed Layers, Density and the PycnoclineFebruary 5: Ekman CirculationFebruary 8: Geostrophic Currents and GyresFebruary 10: Pacific Equatorial CirculationFebruary 12: Dynamic TopographyFebruary 22: Tides IFebruary 24: Tides IIFebruary 26: Sea IceMarch 1: Student Union Forum – no classMarch 3: Western Boundary CurrentsMarch 5: The Inter national Argo ProgramMarch 8: Quiz #2March 10: Ocean Vertical Structure and Deep Water FormationMarch 12: Atlantic and Southern OceansMarch 15: Arctic OceanMarch 17: Global Thermohaline CirculationMarch 19: Computer Modelling of the OceanMarch 22: Modes of Climate VariabilityMarch 24: TBAMarch 26: Introduction to Climate ChangeMarch 29: Past Sea Level ChangeMarch 31: Waterworld – Potential Future Sea Level ChangeApril 7: Dissolved Gases and Oceanic CO 2 UptakeApril 9: The Day After Tomorrow – Fact and FictionApril 12: Oceanic Variability in the Labrador Sea