Open AccessThe interaction between ocean and atmosphere: a review
Author(s) -
J. R. E. Lütjeharms
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
suid-afrikaanse tydskrif vir natuurwetenskap en tegnologie/die suid-afrikaanse tydskrif vir natuurwetenskap en tegnologie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2222-4173
pISSN - 0254-3486
DOI - 10.4102/satnt.v4i3.1041
Subject(s) - atmosphere (unit) , climatology , carbon dioxide in earth's atmosphere , environmental science , phenomenon , range (aeronautics) , global climate , atmospheric sciences , meteorology , geography , oceanography , climate change , geology , physics , engineering , quantum mechanics , aerospace engineering
The atmosphere and the ocean may, from a functional point of view, be regarded as forming a coupled entity. They interact on a wide spatial range, from the molecular to the global. The necessity of considering the ocean and the atmosphere as a coupled system is illustrated most effectively if the interaction between them is studied insofar as it affects climate. This is done here by discussing the problem of an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, the influence of sea surface temperatures on the weather and the global El Nino/Southern Oscillation phenomenon. In conclusion mention is made of South African research in this connection