Lectures#
This section contains links to course lectures and materials for Messmethoden und Fernerkundung.
Course Lectures#
All lecture slides and materials are available on the course Wiki:
The Wiki contains:
Lecture slides for each session
Additional reading materials
Background information on measurement methods
Practical examples and case studies
Course Overview & Learning Objectives#
Overall Course Goals:
Describe why we measure the oceans
Explain the choice of measurement platform to observe a process of a given scale
Describe generic measurement principles, and know which parameters can be measured directly vs indirectly estimated
Understand the limitations of in situ measurements, and how these limitations influence the interpretation of measurements
Understand definitions and differences between ‘accuracy’ and ‘precision’
Understand aliasing of time/space and the myth of synopticity
Understand sources of errors
Lecture Topics#
A1: Timescales#
Space and Time Scales of Ocean Processes
Ocean processes span many powers of 10 in both space and time
From small-scale turbulence (centimeters, seconds) to basin-scale change (1000s km, climate timescales)
Stommel/Chelton diagram showing relationship between spatial and temporal scales
Evolution of ocean observing systems from HMS Challenger to modern Argo floats
Sampling strategy considerations and aliasing effects
A2: Measurement Platforms#
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
Types of platforms: Ships, drifting platforms, marine robots, moorings, satellites
Platform characteristics and trade-offs (cost, data quality, spatial/temporal coverage)
Platform speeds and capabilities
Matching scales to tools: from dissipation scales (AUVs) to basin scale (ships, satellites, Argo)
Transformative technologies in ocean observation
A3: Hydrography & Measurement Principles#
Making Quality Ocean Measurements
Terminology: Accuracy vs Precision, Random vs Systematic error
Generic process of making ocean measurements
What we measure and why: Temperature, Salinity, Pressure, Dissolved gases
How we measure: CTD instruments, pressure sensors, salinometers
TEOS-10 standard for seawater properties
Calibration procedures and data processing
A4: Current Measurements & Tracer Oceanography#
Measuring Ocean Motion
Two approaches: Eulerian (fixed reference) vs Lagrangian (following water parcels)
Eulerian measurements: Ship-based ADCP, moorings, gliders
Lagrangian measurements: Argo floats, RAFOS floats, surface drifters
Mooring design and deployment considerations
Using chemical tracers to track water masses
A5: Data, Tools & Error Sources#
Data Quality and Best Practices
Sources of error: Instrumental limitations, sampling limitations
Error types: Random vs systematic errors
Reporting uncertainty and significant figures
Error propagation through calculations
FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)
Data visualization best practices
Proper documentation and log keeping
Practical Components & Exercises#
The course includes both in-class practical activities and take-home programming exercises:
In-Class Tutorials:#
Temporal scales and aliasing worksheet (A1)
Platform comparison worksheet (A2)
Bathymetry mapping exercise (2 sessions):
Creating 3D bathymetric model in shoebox
Planning measurement campaign
Trading boxes and measuring “blind”
Drawing contour maps
Computing survey costs
Programming Exercises:#
Exercise 1: CTD Profile Data - Working with real oceanographic data, TEOS-10 calculations, and T-S diagrams
Exercise 2: Bathymetry Mapping - Visualizing seafloor topography using matplotlib and cartopy
How to Access Lectures#
Visit the Course Wiki
Navigate to the lecture you’re interested in
Download slides and supplementary materials
Review before and after class sessions
Note: If you need access to the course Wiki, please contact Martin Gade for permissions.
Additional Resources#
Course exercises are available in the Exercises section
Technical documentation in the Getting Started section
Questions? Contact your instructor or use the course forum