GEOL 380 & 705 Lab 1 Part B – Matlab Calculations: Chapter 3 ...

GEOL 380 & 705 Lab 1 Part B – Matlab Calculations: Chapter 3 Coriolis Parameter, Ekman Inertial Currents and Fun Description: This mini-lab is designed to encourage students to perform calculations using Matlab while investigating the Coriolis Parameter, Ekman circulation and Inertial currents. Instructions: 1. Please review Question 3.4 on page 43 of the text. 2. Calculate and plot the Coriolis parameter from the North Pole to the South Pole in increments of 30, 15, 1 and .5 degrees. What do you notice about the curves? Remember Matlab works in radians. 3. Using values from 3.4b calculate and plot the wind generated surface current, according to Equation 3.3 for all latitudes (1 degree increment) from 90N to 90S. 4. Using the recommended value of Az from 3.4b, calculate and plot the depth of the Ekman Layer for each latitude using ‘Haydee’s’ formula (in notes). 5. Using the wind stress from (3.4b) and the depth of the Ekman layer, calculate and and plot the magnitude of the depth mean current for each latitude. How would you calculate the transport? 6. Using Equation 3.7, calculate and plot the inertial period for each latitude. 7. Assume the wind ends and the depth mean current (from 5) becomes your inertial current, calculate the radius of the circle the water will travel using Equation 3.6.

Prepare and submit your report using a format similar to the one recommended in the Lab Report Manual.