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Student Seminar
Flows in Earth's Ocean and Atmosphere: The Physics Behind the Gulf Stream & Cyclones
Kassandra Richard, SFU Physics
Location: BLU 9660
Friday, 24 January 2025 01:30PM PST
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Synopsis
How do massive systems like the Gulf Stream and cyclones emerge and sustain themselves? At the heart of these natural phenomena is a balance of forces that govern large-scale fluid motion on Earth. Two dominant players, the horizontal pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force, reach equilibrium in a state called geostrophic balance. This talk delves into the mechanics of geostrophic balance, unraveling its role in shaping the oceanic and atmospheric dynamics. Through mathematical exploration, we will uncover how these forces approximate large-scale weather patterns and ocean currents, offering a deeper understanding of the physics behind Earth's dynamic systems.