Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (1): add | show Print this page

one publication added to basket [329306]
Full‐depth global estimates of ocean mesoscale eddy mixing from observations and theory
Groeskamp, S.; LaCasce, J.H.; McDougall, T.J.; Rogé, M. (2020). Full‐depth global estimates of ocean mesoscale eddy mixing from observations and theory. Geophys. Res. Lett. 47(18): e2020GL089425. https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2020GL089425
In: Geophysical Research Letters. American Geophysical Union: Washington. ISSN 0094-8276; e-ISSN 1944-8007, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Author keywords
    Mesoscale; Eddies Mixing; Paramterization; Tracer Transport; Eddy Kinetic Energy; Climate

Authors  Top 
  • Groeskamp, S., more
  • LaCasce, J.H.
  • McDougall, T.J.
  • Rogé, M.

Abstract
    Mixing by mesoscale eddies profoundly impacts climate and ecosystems by redistributing and storing dissolved tracers such as heat and carbon. Eddy mixing is parameterized in most numerical models of the ocean and climate. To reduce known sensitivity to such parameterizations, observational estimates of mixing are needed. However, logistical and technological limitations obstruct our ability to measure global time‐varying mixing rates. Here, we extend mixing length theory with mean‐flow suppression theory, and first surface modes, to estimate mixing from readily‐available observational‐based climatological data, of salinity, temperature, pressure and eddy kinetic energy at the sea surface. The resulting full‐depth global maps of eddy mixing can reproduce the few available direct estimates and confirm the importance of mean‐flow suppression of mixing. The results also emphasize the significant effect of eddy surface intensification and its relation to the vertical density stratification. These new insights in mixing dynamics will improve future mesoscale eddy mixing parameterizations.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors