Introduction to Ocean Turbulence

An Introduction to Ocean Turbulence by Steve Thorpe is the first book addressing the needs of instructors teaching introductory courses in ocean mixing. After initial explanations of turbulence fundamentals and techniques for measuring it in the ocean, the emphasis shifts to the processes producing the turbulence and how they in turn are generated and drive dissipation, diapycnal fluxes and dispersion. Copious illustrations from journal articles tie these discussions to current research and give students a clear path to reading current literature. By focusing on the energetics of ocean mixing, the final chapter puts the discussion into a global context. With this book, Professor Thorpe provides an invaluable aide to anyone teaching courses about ocean mixing to advanced undergraduates and graduate students, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.