The goal of physical oceanography is to measure and understand evolving patterns of circulation and water properties over a wide range of scales, from turbulent microstructure through basin-scale gyres and the global overturning circulation. Ocean circulation and physical processes are studied in the context of important multidisciplinary issues: the dynamics and predictability of global climate, and the sustainability of human use in coastal and estuarine regions. Research in physical oceanography involves diverse approaches that include theory, direct observation, and computer simulation. Read More.

The diversity of the program in physical oceanography is greatly increased by numerous joint and affiliate positions with two world-class research laboratories, the University's Applied Physics Laboratory and with the nearby NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, where many of our graduate students choose to do their research.