Accession Number:

ADA551157

Title:

An Internal Modeling and Observational Study of Three-Dimensional Upper Ocean Boundary Layer Dynamics and Parameterizations

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 24 Jan 2008-31 Dec 2010

Corporate Author:

WASHINGTON UNIV SEATTLE APPLIED PHYSICS LAB

Personal Author(s):

• Harcourt, Ramsey R.

Report Date:

2011-04-04

Pagination or Media Count:

8.0

Abstract:

Physically-based parameterizations of vertical mixed layer fluxes in ocean models characterize turbulent mixing at length scales smaller than the layer depth, but do not address the dynamics of unresolved submesoscale horizontal mixing processes below their 00.1 -01 0 km horizontal resolution scale. Modeling work carried out as part of this AESOP DRI has focused on surface boundary layer horizontal mixing processes in regions of significant horizontal variability, as commonly found in frontal regions. This study seeks to quantify the coupling between mixed layer vertical flexes and the dynamics of lateral mixing by submesoscale coherent structures.

Descriptors:

• *OCEAN MODELS
• BOUNDARY LAYER
• EDDY CURRENTS
• MIXED LAYER(MARINE)
• POTENTIAL ENERGY
• TURBULENT FLOW

Subject Categories:

• Physical and Dynamic Oceanography

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE