Finestructure and Turbulence in the Deep Ocean
Abstract
Millimeter scale flucturations in refractive index recorded with a freely sinking shadowgraph system are correlated with finestructure profiles of temperature, salinity and density and compared to models of ocean turbulence. Images with vertically aligned periodic structure, called bands, are identified as salt fingers, while others with chaotic structure are turbulent. Images are found on interfaces that are 1-10 m thick and have gradients at least several times the mean. From 6 profiles in the Mediterranean Outflow region of the eastern North Atlantic between 1.0 and 1.9 km depth, 398 interfaces have been identified and a significant fraction (about 1/3) of these have detectable images. High contrast images, including bands, are most often found below warm, saline intrusions and within stepped structure where there is a regular sequence of homogeneous mixed layers separated by interfaces. As the interfacial salinity gradient increases in the sense that allows salt finger convection, the fraction of interfaces with images increases. The horizontal spacing of bands approx. 5 mm) is consistent with calculated salt finger diameter. The calculated and observed length of ocean salt fingers (10-20 cm) is a small fraction of the interface thickness. This study identifies parts of the ocean where salt finger convection is prevalent and includes the first comprehensive description of salt fingers in the ocean.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA043544
Entities
People
- Peter J. Hendricks
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution