Abstract
A framework for understanding ocean currents starts with the definition of physical scalars, mass, heat, and salt. An equation of state is used to calculate density, the distribution of which is fundamental to the movement and mixing of water masses. Scalar conservation accounts for advection, diffusion, and external sources. Movement of seawater must conform to the conservation of momentum. A water parcel will accelerate according to the action of four ‘true’ and two ‘pseudo’ forces, the latter accounting for Earth's rotation and the advection of momentum. The equations of motion thus obtained can be used at a fixed point or moving with the flow. Following scaling arguments, the equations of motion can be approximated in different ways to predict a diverse range of ocean currents. Further outlined are the data products, numerical ocean models, and particle tracking methods used alongside the theoretical framework to describe, explain, and predict the ocean.
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