Oceanographical Engineering - Robert L. Wiegel - Prentice hall

Oceanographical Engineering is expanding and developing rapidly. Although it is. a very ancient field, having begun at least as early as 3000 B.C. with the construction of Port A-ur near the mouth of the Nile, significant contributions from oceanography toward the understanding of problems involved in the rational design of a structure, a device, or a system have been made only since World War 11. As is the case with many modern fields, oceanographical engineering cuts across the boundaries of several disciplines. In addition, it is often difficult to distinguish clearly between engineering and scientific endeavors in this field. This is quite natural, since both groups have the same ultimate aim: to understand the nature of the ocean and to make use of this understanding for the benefit of mankind through better ports, safer and more economical operations at sea, and a greater use of the oceans’ natural resourcesfood, raw materials and recreation.

Much of oceanography is still descriptive, so that certain portions of the book, pertaining to the distribution of temperatures and salinities in the ocean, are largely descriptive. Other portions are mathematical, such as the sections on waves. A large number of drawings and photographs have been included for two reasons. First, much oceanographical data can only be presented in this form; and second, the author has found in his experience in teaching this subject that these illustrations are necessary to assist the students in a subject that is not well covered in most courses in fluid mechanics.

Oceanographical Engineering
Autor: Robert L. Wiegel
Editorial: Prentice hall