The University of Southampton
University of Southampton Institutional Repository

Parameterization of eddy effects on mixed layers and tracer transport: a linearized eddy perspective

Parameterization of eddy effects on mixed layers and tracer transport: a linearized eddy perspective
Parameterization of eddy effects on mixed layers and tracer transport: a linearized eddy perspective
Two aspects of the effects of eddies on ocean circulation have proven difficult to parameterize: eddy effects in regions of neutrally stable (or convecting) fluid and the mixing of passive tracers. The effects of linearized eddies, although a restrictive parameter regime, can be straightforwardly computed in these cases. The eddy effects in areas of neutral stability—for example, mixed layers—blend naturally into those in the stably stratified water below, although losing the concept of bolus velocity. Instead, the mixed layer density is advected by an extra overturning velocity and is diffused laterally by a diffusion that is the same as the eddy diffusion at the top of the stably stratified fluid. Passive tracers are advected by the bolus velocity and mixed by the same diffusivity as is used to compute the bolus velocity at that location, so that two different diffusivities are not needed.
0022-3670
1717-1725
Killworth, P.D.
9fc0c4a0-e1fb-4073-8997-436b59c74bf2
Killworth, P.D.
9fc0c4a0-e1fb-4073-8997-436b59c74bf2

Killworth, P.D. (2005) Parameterization of eddy effects on mixed layers and tracer transport: a linearized eddy perspective. Journal of Physical Oceanography, 35 (10), 1717-1725. (doi:10.1175/JPO2781.1).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Two aspects of the effects of eddies on ocean circulation have proven difficult to parameterize: eddy effects in regions of neutrally stable (or convecting) fluid and the mixing of passive tracers. The effects of linearized eddies, although a restrictive parameter regime, can be straightforwardly computed in these cases. The eddy effects in areas of neutral stability—for example, mixed layers—blend naturally into those in the stably stratified water below, although losing the concept of bolus velocity. Instead, the mixed layer density is advected by an extra overturning velocity and is diffused laterally by a diffusion that is the same as the eddy diffusion at the top of the stably stratified fluid. Passive tracers are advected by the bolus velocity and mixed by the same diffusivity as is used to compute the bolus velocity at that location, so that two different diffusivities are not needed.

This record has no associated files available for download.

More information

Published date: 2005

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 19174
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/19174
ISSN: 0022-3670
PURE UUID: 716bc61d-19c7-4333-b0ac-daf2db84b4c1

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 16 Jan 2006
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 06:12

Export record

Altmetrics

Contributors

Author: P.D. Killworth

Download statistics

Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.

View more statistics

Atom RSS 1.0 RSS 2.0

Contact ePrints Soton: eprints@soton.ac.uk

ePrints Soton supports OAI 2.0 with a base URL of http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/cgi/oai2

This repository has been built using EPrints software, developed at the University of Southampton, but available to everyone to use.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive cookies on the University of Southampton website.

×