Lecture 4: equations of motion

Question 1

An Ro > 1 means coriolis force is?

Answer 1

Ro > 1 negligible influence from the Coriolis force

Question 2

An Ro < 1 means coriolis force is?

Answer 2

Ro < 1 Coriolis force is important

Question 3

What is the equation for Ro?

Answer 3

Ro= U / f * L

Question 4

Describe the coordinate system used in oceanography using x, y and z

Answer 4

x = East (+) and West (-)
y = North (+) and South (-)
z = Depth

Question 5

Describe velocity’s in oceanography coordinates using u, v and w

Answer 5

u: positive east
v: positive north
w: positive up

Question 6

Describe accelerations in oceanography coordinates using du/dt, dv/dt and dw/dt

Answer 6

du/dt: positive east
dv/dt: positive north
dw/dt: positive up

Question 7

What happens to the value of the Coriolis parameter (f) in the Southern Hemisphere?

Answer 7

It becomes a (-) value due to the latitude

Question 8

What can we now do with this equation?

acceleration = 1/p * (PGF + Coriolis Force + Gravity + Frictional Forces)

Answer 8

We can describe the dimensions and direction