Ocean Mesoscale and Submesoscale Vertical Motion in the Balearic Sea
Abstract
Subduction of water from the surface mixed layer of the oceans to the stratified pycnocline occurs by advection along sloping isopyc nal surfaces at ocean fronts. The dynamics of processes that facilitate such vertical transport of ocean water will be studied using observational tools and numerical modeling. The study will identify where and when subduction occurs, the coherence of the water ma sses that are subducted, the space and time-scales of the process, and the destination or fate of the subducted water. In field stud ies in the Balearic Sea, subducted water masses will be identified and mapped in three dimensions using temperature, salinity and bi o-optical measurements. Biogeochemical tracers will provide information on time scales. The net rate of subduction will be estimated from field measurements, and also from numerical modeling. Process modeling experiments will be used to quantitatively relate the s ubduction rate to frontal parameters such as the lateral and vertical buoyancy gradients and wind forcing. Approved for Public Relea se
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112702
Entities
People
- Amala Mahadevan
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution