EES 18 Oceanography, Spring 2008
Tuesday - 6:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Instructor: Dr. Suresh Muthukrishnan
119F Townes Science Center, Phone: 294-3361
suresh.muthukrishnan@furman.edu

Text:

The following text book is recommended but not required (new book cost over $100). You will get a
binder at the beginning of the term that will contain some reading materials (at a nominal cost of
reproduction). As the term progresses, I will provide handouts and other resources for each class a week
in advance so that you can come prepared with the reading. A copy of this text book will be available in
the library reserve section.
Tom Garrison, 2006. Essentials of Oceanography, 4th Edition – Thomson-Brooks/Cole Publishers.

Electronic Text Link: Physical Oceanography by Robert H. Stewart

Course Description and Objectives:

This course will be an eye opener for you since you will begin to understand the complex world
that surround us, and you will find answers to questions regarding origin and occurrences of natural
disasters such as the recent Earthquake and Tsunami activities in the Indian Ocean. During this term, you will learn the physical, chemical, and geological aspects of the world’s oceans and their significance to the earth’s climate system. The overall objective of this course is to gain an understanding of the ocean environment and how the oceans interact with the atmosphere and the land that surround them to moderate and modify local, regional, and global climatic conditions. Some of the specific understandings that you can expect to gain from this class include:
a) The physical make up of the major ocean basins and their plate tectonic association
b) The effect of temperature, wind, and salinity on the oceanic and atmospheric circulation patterns
that play a significant role in the weather conditions, and
c) The coastal processes and how natural and human induced effects shape the beaches.