Oceanic Mixed Layer Entrainment Zone Dynamics
Abstract
The Naval Postgraduate School mixed layer model is augmented to include an entrainment zone with finite thickness. The role of entrainment shear production of turbulent kinetic energy is investigated by comparing model results that include the new entrainment zone with observations at Ocean Weather Station Papa in the North Pacific and with model predictions that do not include the new entrainment zone feature. Although it is not yet clear that annual- period model forecasts are improved significantly, it is shown that the entrainment zone processes play a significant role in vertical fluxes and in the turbulent kinetic energy budget of the upper ocean under warming conditions. Furthermore, it is found that the improved entrainment zone more accurately reproduces the temperature gradients of transient thermoclines observed at OWS Papa.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA240896
Entities
People
- Robert L. Beard
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School