Turbulent Mixing in Oceanic Surface and Benthic Boundary Layers
Abstract
The long-term goal of our research program is to understand, using laboratory experiments, numerical modeling and theoretical analysis, small-scale mixing processes occurring in oceanic surface and benthic boundary layers. The knowledge so gained will be used to develop sound closure parameterizations for prognostic numerical ocean circulation models. The objective of the work being reported was to improve the fundamental knowledge of turbulent mixing and diffusion processes occurring in oceanic boundary layers, especially surface wind-mixing layer and wave-current boundary layer in coastal oceans. In the studies of surface mixed layers, the focus was on the penetration of a turbulent layer into a density stratified layer and associated turbulent momentum and mass transfer processes. Also of interest were the effects of such transports on large-scale circulation patterns and air-sea coupling. The study on the wave boundary layer is expected to verify the accuracy of commonly used bottom boundary-layer parameterizations of coastal ocean models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA569324
Entities
People
- Harindra Fernando
Organizations
- Arizona State University