Abstract:
The summer of 2004 saw the GFD program tackle “Tides”. Myrl Hendershott (Scripps
Institution of Oceanography) gave a fabulous introduction to the subject in the first week
of the course, laying the foundations from astronomy and classical geophysical
fluid dynamics. In the second week, Chris Garrett (University of Victoria) admirably followed
up with recent developments on the subject, including the recent observations from satellite
altimetry, their implications to mixing and circulation, and even a memorable lecture on
the noble theme of how we might solve the world's energy crisis. The principal lectures
proved unusually popular this summer, and the seminar room at Walsh often overflowed in the
first two weeks.
Following on from the lectures, the seminar schedule of the summer covered in greater
detail the oceanographic issues with which researchers are actively grappling. We also
heard about related problems regarding atmospheric, planetary and stellar tides, together
with the usual mix of topics on GFD in general.
The summer once again featured a lecture for the general public in the Woods Hole
area. Carl Wunsch delivered a very well received lecture entitled “Climate Change Stories”,
in which he gave an impression of how scientists generally believe our climate is currently
changing, whilst simultaneously urging caution against some of the more outrageous and
exaggerated claims. The lecture was held at Lilly Auditorium, thanks to the hospitality
of the Marine Biology Laboratory. The reception following the lecture was enjoyed by
all.
Neil Balmforth and Stefan Llewellyn Smith acted as Co-Directors for the summer.
Janet Fields, Jeanne Fleming and Penny Foster provided the administrative backbone to
the Program, both during the summer and throughout the year beforehand. As always,
we were grateful to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for the use of Walsh Cottage,
and Keith Bradley's solid service could not be overlooked. Shilpa Ghadge and Shreyas
Mandre are to be thanked for their part in comforting the fellows, developing the summer's
proceedings volume (available on the GFD web site) and for running the computer network.
