The following material is presented in order of progression, from more descriptive to increasingly analytical books, allowing readers to choose how far they wish to explore the depths of physical oceanography. In many ways, this selection reflects my own process of learning physical oceanography. For that reason, some books that have been significant to others may not be included here. However, I will strive to be as inclusive and representative as possible.

The Open University Oceanography Series offers a set of foundational texts ideal for students beginning their studies in ocean sciences, with a particular emphasis on physical oceanography. These books are fundamentally descriptive, prioritizing clarity and accessibility while introducing the essential equations necessary to understand key physical concepts. Published in 1989, they remain highly relevant for those starting in the field of physical oceanography. The series includes:

• Ocean Circulation: it provides a detailed overview of global ocean circulation, including surface currents, thermohaline circulation, and the role of the oceans in climate regulation.
• Waves, Tides and Shallow-Water Processes: Focusing on physical processes such as waves, tides, and shallow-water dynamics, it explores their interaction with coastal environments and sediment transport.
• Seawater: Its Composition, Properties and Behaviour: This text deepens into the physical and chemical properties of seawater, including salinity, density, and thermal structure.

The book "Introduction to Physical Oceanography" by Robert H. Stewart is a classic resource developed from the courses taught by the author. The first edition was published in 2000, and the latest edition dates back to 2008. This book is freely available online at https://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/160216, making it an accessible resource for students worldwide.

The content of the book is primarily descriptive, using mathematical frameworks only when absolutely necessary, which makes it an excellent introductory text for those starting in physical oceanography. It covers the fundamental principles of the field with clarity and simplicity, ensuring accessibility to readers with diverse academic backgrounds.

In recent years, an initiative has emerged on GitHub to update this unique resource: https://github.com/introocean/introocean-en. The author endorsed this effort with two conditions: that it remains an introductory-level text and continues to be freely available.

The book "Introductory Dynamical Oceanography" by Stephen Pond and George L. Pickard is a foundational text in physical oceanography, first published in 1978, with the more widely recognized second edition released in 1983. This book deepens into analytical aspects of ocean dynamics while maintaining a strong conceptual focus. It is extensively supported by clear and informative graphics that aid in understanding complex processes.

Compared to previous introductory texts, this book is more advanced and is best suited for students who have already had a preliminary introduction to oceanography. Its blend of analytical rigor and conceptual clarity makes it an excellent resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of dynamical processes in the ocean.

The book "Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics" by B. Cushman-Roisin, first published in 1994, offers a more mathematically rigorous approach compared to previous texts, systematically unraveling the behavior of geophysical fluids. It begins by addressing the effects of rotation, followed by stratification, and ultimately combines both effects in Part IV to provide a comprehensive understanding of their interplay.

One of the book’s standout features is its numerous exercises, which reinforce the theoretical concepts presented in each chapter. Additionally, it includes historical references and tributes to prominent physical oceanographers, with brief biographies presented at the start of each chapter.

This book was the cornerstone of my education as a physical oceanographer, and I hold it in high regard for its depth, clarity, and the respect it pays to the pioneers of the discipline.

The book "Geophysical Fluid Dynamics" by Joseph Pedlosky is a seminal work that deepens into the theoretical aspects of fluid dynamics as applied to geophysical contexts. Unlike more introductory texts, this book employs a rigorous mathematical framework to guide the reader toward understanding the physical behavior of the ocean and atmosphere. The equations serve as the primary tool for deriving conclusions about geophysical fluid behavior, making it a rigorous yet rewarding read for those with a strong mathematical foundation.

The first edition was published in 1979, and the more widely recognized second edition was released in 1987. This comprehensive text has been instrumental in advancing the study of large-scale motions in the oceans and atmosphere, providing a unified theoretical treatment that has influenced both research and teaching in the field.

Without a doubt, this is the ideal book to become a master in physical oceanography.

Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography by Richard E. Thomson and William J. Emery is a cornerstone resource for oceanographers, providing a comprehensive guide to analyzing and interpreting oceanographic data. Since its first edition in 2000, the book has served as a practical and detailed reference, bridging foundational concepts with cutting-edge techniques in data analysis.

For me, this book was an invaluable tool during the development of my doctoral thesis, and I know it holds a similar place for many other physical oceanographers. Its accessible explanations of statistical methods, time series analysis, and spatial data processing, along with its focus on error handling and data visualization, make it an essential companion for researchers in the field.

The book remains as relevant today as it was when it first appeared, largely because the authors have continuously updated it to reflect the evolution of physical oceanography itself. The latest fourth edition (2024) incorporates advances in autonomous platforms, modern machine learning techniques such as deep learning and convolutional neural networks, and expanded sections on extreme value statistics and wavelet analysis.

Whether you are a student just beginning in the field or an experienced researcher, Data Analysis Methods in Physical Oceanography remains a go-to resource, evolving alongside the advancements in the science it supports.

Numerical modeling plays a pivotal role in physical oceanography. The vastness of the ocean makes it impossible to measure properties everywhere, and modeling serves to fill this gap, offering a means to extrapolate and understand oceanic processes at scales and locations beyond the reach of direct observations. Moreover, numerical models are continually improving, enabling increasingly reliable predictions about the behavior of the ocean and its interaction with the climate system.

In this context, and keeping this teaching guide, Jochen Kaempf’s two books, "Ocean Modelling for Beginners" and "Advanced Ocean Modelling", are exceptional resources for anyone looking to deepen into this critical field. These books are highly didactic, filled with practical examples, and accompanied by open-source code that the author has made publicly available. This hands-on approach makes them an invaluable tool for students and researchers alike, bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application. Those interested in obtaining a copy of the books can contact the author directly through his ResearchGate profile.

The books mentioned above have been fundamental in my training as a physical oceanographer and in my role as a lecturer at the Faculty of Marine Sciences at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. However, as there are many more books with significant educational value, I will now include a selection of additional resources that can also serve as valuable tools for learning and teaching in this field.

The "Glossary of Physical Oceanography and Related Disciplines" (2004) remains a highly relevant resource for the field of physical oceanography. Spanning 539 pages, this glossary provides precise and well-documented definitions of words and concepts widely used in physical oceanography and its related disciplines.

What distinguishes this glossary is its depth, comprehensiveness, and austere style, which focuses on delivering clear and concise information without unnecessary embellishments. This approach makes it an indispensable reference for students, educators, and researchers looking for straightforward explanations of technical terms. Despite its publication date, the content has stood the test of time, continuing to serve as a relevant tool for understanding the language and concepts of this complex field.

This book is freely available here.

The book "Elements of Physical Oceanography", published in 2009, is an excerpt from the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Steve A. Thorpe, and Karl K. Turekian. Similar to Baum’s Glossary of Physical Oceanography and Related Disciplines, this book serves as a comprehensive reference, but it delves deeper into the concepts it covers. It goes beyond descriptive explanations, incorporating mathematical frameworks when necessary to provide a more robust understanding of physical oceanography.

What makes this book particularly appealing is its abundant use of figures, which enhance its visual attractiveness and aid in illustrating complex concepts. This combination of depth, clarity, and visual support makes it an excellent resource for students and researchers alike, bridging the gap between encyclopedic knowledge and practical application.

The book "Descriptive Physical Oceanography: An Introduction" is a cornerstone resource in the field of oceanography. First published in 1964, it has been updated over the decades, with the sixth edition released in 2011. Edited by Lynne D. Talley, George L. Pickard, William J. Emery, and James H. Swift, this comprehensive work spans nearly 600 pages, which extend to almost 1,000 pages when including the abundant supplementary material. This additional content significantly enriches the book, making it an even more valuable tool for understanding physical oceanography.

The book covers a wide range of topics, starting with an introduction to descriptive oceanography and progressing through ocean dimensions, physical properties of seawater, global circulation patterns, and detailed regional studies of the world's oceans, such as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic. Its structure ensures a thorough exploration of both fundamental and advanced topics, balancing descriptive insights with discussions of key dynamical processes.

The sixth edition remains an essential reference for students, educators, and researchers in oceanography, combining rigorous detail with clarity and accessibility.

The book "Regional Oceanography: An Introduction" by Matthias Tomczak is a fundamentally descriptive resource that offers a detailed and visually rich exploration of oceanography. First published in 1994, the book became available as a freely downloadable PDF in 2002, accessible through various servers, such as this one.

This book stands out for its vibrant visuals and colorful figures, which enhance the understanding of complex oceanographic concepts. It provides an accessible yet thorough introduction to regional oceanography, making it an invaluable resource for students and educators alike.

A key figure behind the book is its lead author, Matthias Tomczak. Beyond his contributions to the field of physical oceanography, he was deeply committed to education and dedicated much of his life to working for the benefit of others. I have a fond memory of reaching out to him as a doctoral student to request a copy of one of his papers to learn the OMP method. He responded with a brief but meaningful reply: "The material is on its way." That simple message carried a great deal of encouragement and generosity for me.

In 2003, I had the opportunity to see him at the EGU in Nice, where his presence felt like that of a true rock star in the world of oceanography. His dedication to advancing the field and inspiring others has left a lasting legacy in the community. In recognition of his efforts, several mirrors have been created to preserve and share the extensive teaching materials he developed throughout his career. One such example is this repository, which continues to honor his legacy.

This combination of descriptive depth, visual appeal, and the author’s dedication to education makes Regional Oceanography: An Introduction a unique and enduring contribution to the field.

The book "Fluid Mechanics" by Pijush K. Kundu and Ira M. Cohen is a highly esteemed resource that lays a solid foundation in fluid mechanics, serving as a crucial precursor to the study of geophysical fluid dynamics, which is central to physical oceanography. First published in 1990, the book has undergone several revisions, with the most recent being the seventh edition released in 2024.

Renowned for its comprehensive coverage and educational value, this text masterfully balances theoretical concepts with practical applications, making it an indispensable tool for those seeking to build a strong foundation in the theoretical framework of physical oceanography. The inclusion of numerous examples and exercises enhances its didactic quality, facilitating a deeper understanding of complex fluid dynamics principles.

The collaborative efforts of Kundu and Cohen have ensured the book's continued relevance and authority in the field, making it a valuable reference for both students and professionals pursuing expertise in fluid mechanics and its applications in oceanography.