1. What are some of the forces and physical processes scientists should consider when creating and analyzing ocean circulation models?
Scientists should consider wind, waves, tides, the Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect), the sun (solar energy), water density differences, surface and deep-water currents, and biogenic mixing.
2. In addition to ocean mixing, what are some other ways bioengineers could contribute to the study of oceanography?
Bioengineers could contribute to creating more efficient underwater submersibles and remotely operated vehicles. They could play a role in the discovery and development of marine pharmaceuticals andbiomedical applications.
3. Ocean circulation is driven by density differences throughout the water column. What are the key physical factors that affect water density?
The key physical factors that affect water density are temperature, salinity,depth, and pressure.
• One of the technologies Dr. Kakani Katija’s team developed to study biogenic ocean mixing in real time is SCUVA (self-contained underwater velocimetry apparatus). SCUVA enables a single scuba diver to collect digital measurements of animal-fluid interactions in the field.
• Edward Lorenz was an American who studied meteorology, mathematics, and chaos theory. In 1963 he developed his “butterfly effect” theory to help explain the unpredictable nature of weather due to small, local changes that could lead to large, wider-ranging effects. Lorenz explained his theory with an example: that a butterfly flapping its wings on one side of the world can cause major weather changes on the other.
• Some estimates show that just 10% of the energy from surface waves and tides contributes to the mixing and circulation of deeper ocean layers.