Ocean Dynamics and Ecosystems

Marine ecosystems are tightly controlled by ocean circulation and rapidly changing in response to climate change. This course discusses the processes that shape and structure ocean ecosystems, with a focus on ocean turbulence and fine-scale dynamics, and climate. The course balances overview lectures, discussion of the current and classic literature on the topic, and data analysis using observations and ocean/climate model outputs. Students participate in seminar type presentations and discussions, and work in group to present a final project based on observational data and/or ocean modeling.