PREDICTION OF THE THERMOCLINE DEPTH
Abstract
In order to derive a method of predicting thermocline depth, BT data and associated weather conditions at the Atlantic Ocean Weather Station (OWS) CHARLIE (52 degrees N, 35 degrees W) were studied. Selected groups of bathythermograms covering one or several days were used to compute mean level of the interface between the mixed layer and the thermocline. Velocity and vertical extent of pure wind current are considered to be proportional to the surface wind-wave parameters. A mixing parameter, k, which is a function of wave amplitude A, wavelength and mixed-layer thickness was determined from the BT groups and associated weather data. Mixing parameter is considered to be proportional to the vertical component of the mixing length at the interface of the mixed layer and the thermocline. As a function of sea state parameter and stability index mixing parameter is applied to mean thermocline depth prediction by use of different functional curves for sea state in uniform current flow or in convergent and divergent current conditions. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0288596
Entities
People
- P.a. Mazeika
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office