Energy Dissipation Studies in the South China Sea
Abstract
We are focused on understanding small-scale processes that influence the ocean s thermodynamic and dynamic properties on the sub-mesoscale (scales less than 10 km). This includes the role of turbulence in modifying the upper ocean temperature and density structure. In the South China Sea, large amplitude nonlinear waves force turbulence in the seasonally variable continental shelf region. New observational data is sought for use in characterizing turbulence phenomena, and for parameterizing processes in models. This program was focused on measuring the dissipation rate of mechanical energy on the shallow continental shelf of the South China Sea. The measurements are being used to examine the energy dynamics of small-scale wave processes in relation to tidal forcing. The measurements are the first dissipation observations from a region where extreme-amplitude, nonlinear internal waves loose their energy in shallow water.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA613107
Entities
People
- Louis St. Laurent
Organizations
- Florida State University