REvisiting MIXed layer baroclinic instability for curved fronts (REMIX)
Abstract
Most ocean fronts at mesoscale and submesoscale are characterized by significant curvature. Yet, the current, state-of-the-art ocean model parameterizations that account for frontal dynamics at both of these scales are based entirely on diagnostics derived from geostrophic or straight fronts. This includes mixed layer baroclinic instability (ML-BCI), a process occurring at all ocean fronts that generates vortices or eddies from the potential energy stored in the front, thereby restratifying the upper ocean. We propose to revisit the ML-BCI problem by considering the effect of frontal curvature. By considering ocean fronts to be in cyclo-geostrophic rather than geostrophic balance, we will further develop our understanding of ML-BCI and the restratification that results from this process. This research will be conducted via a systematic analysis of semi-analytical models, idealized process models, and realisticmodels of the upper ocean, harnessing the proposal team#s expertise in mesoscale, submesoscale, and ML dynamics. We anticipate obtaining qualitative and quantitative relationships between relevant ML parameters (i.e., #scaling laws#) that might then be used in future parameterizations of this sub-grid-scale process in regional and global ocean models. In general, fronts are dynamically important since the horizontal and vertical density variability in the ocean surface mixed layer is critical for mediating exchanges between the ocean and atmosphere. Moreover, this variability determines physical and biogeochemical properties, which subsequently affectthe performance of acoustics, optics, and other non-acoustic sensing technology. Consequently, understanding its present state and predicting its future behavior is critical to US Navy interests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312473
Entities
People
- Amit Tandon
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Massachusetts