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The Journal of Physical Oceanography (JPO) publishes research related to the physics of the ocean and to processes operating at its boundaries. Observational, theoretical, and modeling studies are all welcome, especially those that focus on elucidating specific physical processes. Papers that investigate interactions with other components of the Earth system (e.g., ocean–atmosphere, physical–biological, and physical–chemical interactions) as well as studies of other fluid systems (e.g., lakes and laboratory tanks) are also invited, as long as their focus is on understanding the ocean or its role in the Earth system.

2016 Impact Factor: 3.130 (#8 in Oceanography3)

  • Articles: Up to 7500 words or 26 double-spaced pages of text. (Abstract, references, figure and table lists, and figures do not count toward the length limit.)  
  • Expedited Contributions: Up to 2500 words or ~9 double-spaced text pages. (Abstract, references, figure and table lists, and figures do not count toward the length limit.) No more than a combined total of 6 figures and tables. Multipart papers are not allowed. The peer-review and production/editing processes are accelerated. Author revisions are due within 4 weeks. The expected publication time is 4–7 weeks after final acceptance. If the paper grows beyond the maximum length or figure/table criteria during review and revision, the editor will decide if it remains an expedited contribution or becomes a regular article. Also, if the paper requires a second round of reviews, it will be considered a regular article.
  • Comment and Reply Exchange: Comments are written in response to a published article and should be submitted within 2 years of the publication date of the original article (although the editor can waive this limit in extenuating circumstances). The author of the original article has the opportunity to write a reply. These exchanges are published together. 


3 2016 Journal Citation Reports® by Thomson Reuters. Ranking out of 62 journals in the Oceanography category.