The interaction between ocean circulation and climate change has been an active research frontier in Earth sciences in recent years. Ocean circulation, and its related geophysical fluid dynamical principles, are now taught at graduate level in many Earth and atmospheric science departments. This is the first advanced textbook to discuss both wind-driven and thermohaline-driven processes – two important aspects of large-scale ocean circulation. It provides a concise introduction to the dynamics and thermodynamics of oceanic general circulation. This includes sea water thermodynamics and the energetics of the ocean circulation; an exhaustive theory of wind-driven circulation; thermohaline circulation with discussions on water mass formation/erosion, deep circulation, and the hydrological cycle; and interactions between wind-driven and thermohaline circulation. Highly illustrated to help the reader establish a clear mental picture of the physical principles involved, the book is invaluable for advanced courses in ocean circulation and as a reference for oceanographers and Earth scientists.

Rui Xin Huang, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts