Salinity Effects in an Ocean Mixed-Layer Model.
Abstract
A one-dimensional mixed-layer model of ocean thermal structure (Camp, 1976) was first modified to determine the effects of a salinity profile on density structure and secondly to observe the added effects of surface salinity flux. The model was tested in August and November-December 1974 with (1) hydrocast data at Ocean Stations HOTEL and PAPA and (2) salinity profiles statistically derived from historical data for six ocean stations and adjusted to correspond to an observed BT. Inclusion of salinity structure did not significantly affect mixed-layer depth or temperature predictions during the summer period. During the winter period, salinity structure tended to inhibit deepening yielding a slightly warmer, shallower mixed layer. Surface salinity flux altered significantly the thickness of the isothermal layer, with decreases in thickness during precipitation (E-P<0) and a tendency for increased thickness during some periods of net downward heat flux when E-P>0. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA056326
Entities
People
- Richard Alan Paulus
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School