The equilibrium mixed layer depth in the tropical Atlantic: the rotation stress and penetration of radiation effects.
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Authors
Gaspar, Joaquim Filipe Figueiredo Alves.
Subjects
planetary boundary layer
oceanic mixed layer
oceanic mixed layer
Advisors
Garwood, Roland W.
Date of Issue
1985-06
Date
June 1985
Publisher
Language
en_US
Abstract
This thesis examines the effects of the rotation stress mechanism and the penetration of shortwave radiation below the sea - surface in determining a one dimensional equilibrium mixed layer depth. Starting with the Obukhov-scale equilibrium theory for the surface ocean boundary layer, a revised equilibrium theory, which includes rotation stress and radiation effects, is presented. This new theory is applied using climatological boundary conditions for the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the results are compared with the observed climatological mixed layer depth. In general, the response of the revised model is an improvement over the Obukhov theory alone. Because the quality of the results is limited by uncertainties in the boundary conditions, no detailed evaluation of the model response is justifiable. However, it is concluded here that the physical mechanisms of rotation stress and penetration of radiation are important in determining a steady-state equilibrium depth of mixing for the tropical Atlantic.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner