Objectives:
The course aims to give a basic introduction to tidal dynamics and analysis of observed variations in sea surface height and tidal currents, quantification of the magnitude of and dissemination of processes related to sources and sinks of tidal energy, and analysis of variations and changes in global and regional sea level.

The course provides an understanding of the underlying causes for ocean tides and variations in sea level, and by that providing the knowledge basis for how tides and sea level changes affects coastal areas and infrastructures.

Content:
The course covers topics such as classical ocean tidal mechanics, analysis and prediction of tides, tidal dynamics in general and for coastal areas in particular, input and extraction of tidal energy, physical processes related to tidal variations, storm surge, tsunami, and variations and changes in global and regional sea level.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

- has a thorough knowledge about the causes and properties of the tides
- can discuss and compute tidal elevations in the open sea, in narrow and open bays and in marginal seas
- can analyse storm surge and tsunami
- can discuss the role of tidal mixing and energy dissipation in open and (semi)closed ocean basins
- can describe the development of the historical knowledge related to ocean tides and variations in sea level
- can basic theory for extraction of tidal energy
- can discuss variations and changes in sea level geographically (global, regional and local) and in time

Skills

The student
- can derive and apply the leading, harmonic components to calculate, analyse and predict ocean tides
- can use the equilibrium theory to quantify changes in the sea surface height and the associated ocean currents for different configurations of the orbital parameters
- can explain and discuss the factors influencing local and global sea level on different time scales, and the underlying causes for these variations
- can explain and discuss key concepts for ocean tides and non-tidal variations in the sea level

General competence

The student

- can explain mathematical concepts and apply mathematical formalism on different geophysical problems
- can conduct and present analysis of ocean observations
- can write and present an assignment in accordance with good scientific practice
- can reflect on central ethical and scientific issues in the fields of oceanography, climate and renewable energy

Assignements, including programming tasks, will be given. Each student, eventually a students in small groups, have to submit a written report and present at least one assignment in plenary, with approved result, in order to enter the final exam.

Approved mandatory activity is valid 3 following semesters after approval.