The effects of shoaling internal tides on benthic exchange events and near-boundary mixing along the continental shelf
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Authors
Pastrana, Darren L.
Subjects
Nepheloid Layers
Internal Tidal Bores
Turbulence
Internal Tidal Bores
Turbulence
Advisors
Stanton, Timothy
Shaw, William
Date of Issue
2013-06
Date
Jun-13
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The effects of shoaling inner shelf internal tidal bores and solitons on the bottom boundary layer have been observed and analyzed during October 2012 at Monterey Bay in Monterey, CA. This research utilized measurements from two different observing systems: the long range propeller-driven AUV called Daphne, and a bottom boundary layer frame measuring changes in temperature, conductivity, pressure, optics, and turbulence during a four week time period. The data collected from these platforms were used to capture the strength of the internal tides and their influence on the bottom boundary layer as they propagate and entrain sediment up into the water column. The focus of this field study, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, was to quantify turbulent intensity levels for active events near the bed and determine correlations with turbulence higher in the water column and the generation of internal nepheloid layers. Typical dissipation rate values for high turbulent events were 1e-7 m2/s3, and as a result, turbidity levels near the bed increased on average by a third. Observations show how strong changes in the water column currents, turbidity, and turbulence potentially have a large effect on divers and subsurface operating vehicles. Further research is required to provide a predictive capability of this variability.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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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.