The Thermohaline Circulation in Semi-Enclosed Marginal Seas
Abstract
The principles governing the buoyancy-forced circulation within marginal seas, and their exchange with the open ocean, are addressed using a series of idealized numerical models and theory. It is found that small scale mixing of density and momentum near the boundaries plays a central role in the net down-welling within the marginal sea and, at times, in the basin-scale stratification. Bottom topography is also found to be very important for both the circulation within the marginal sea and the exchange of mass and heat with the open ocean. Distinct dynamical regimes are found for open and closed topographic contours. The interaction of mean and low-frequency motions with a porous western boundary at both mid-latitudes and near the equator are also addressed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA433533
Entities
People
- Michael A. Spall
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution