Shipboard LADCP/chipod Profiling of Internal Wave Structure and Dissipation in the Luzon Strait
Abstract
We seek a more complete and fundamental understanding of the hierarchy of processes which transfer energy and momentum from large scales, feed the internal wavefield, and ultimately dissipate through turbulence. This cascade impacts the acoustic, optical, and biogeochemical properties of the water column, and feeds back to alter the larger scale circulation. Studies within the Ocean Mixing Group at OSU emphasize observations, innovative sensor / instrumentation development and integration, and process-oriented internal wave and turbulence modeling for interpretation. Luzon Strait represents a major source of internal tides and NLIWs in the SCS. However, unlike other regions of strong internal wave generation (i.e., Hawaii), Luzon Strait is believed to be highly dissipative. We seek to understand the character of this enhanced nonlinearity and turbulence, and how it affects internal wave generation and transmission. Specifically, we intend to: identify hotspots of generation and dissipation, quantify the structure and variability of wave energy, its flux and dissipation at the generation site, and link the broader spatial structure, temporal content, and energetics of the internal wave field to the topography, forcing, and mesoscale influences (i.e., Kuroshio).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA557071
Entities
People
- James N. Moum
- Jonathan D. Nash
Organizations
- Oregon State University