Oceanic mixed layer entrainment zone dynamics
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Authors
Beard, Robert L.
Subjects
air-sea interaction
entrainment shear production
mixed layer
entrainment shear production
mixed layer
Advisors
Garwood, R.W.
Date of Issue
1990-09
Date
1990-09
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The Naval Postgraduate School mixed layer model is augmented to include an entrainment zone with finite thickness. The role of entrainment shear production of turbulent kinetic energy is investigated by comparing model results that include the new entrainment zone with observations at Ocean Weather Station Papa in the North Pacific and with model predictions that do not include the new entrainment zone feature. Although it is not yet clear that annual- period model forecasts are improved significantly, it is shown that the entrainment zone processes play a significant role in vertical fluxes and in the turbulent kinetic energy budget of the upper ocean under warming conditions. Furthermore, it is found that the improved entrainment zone more accurately reproduces the temperature gradients of transient thermoclines observed at OWS Papa.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Meteorology and Physical Oceanography
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
vii, 49 p. ill.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.