Mechanics of thermohaline interleaving: beyond the empirical flux laws
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Authors
Radko, Timour
Subjects
double diffusive convection
ocean processes
stratified flows
ocean processes
stratified flows
Advisors
Date of Issue
2011
Date
Publisher
Language
Abstract
An analytical theory is developed which illustrates the dynamics of the spontaneous
generation of thermohaline intrusions in the stratified ocean with density compensated
lateral temperature and salinity gradients. Intrusions in the model are driven by the
interaction with the initially homogeneous field of salt fingers, whose amplitude
and spatial orientation is weakly modulated by the long wavelength perturbations
introduced into the system. The asymptotic multiscale analysis makes it possible
to identify intrusive instabilities resulting from the positive feedback of salt fingers
on large-scale perturbations and analyse the resulting patterns. The novelty of the
proposed analysis is related to our ability to avoid using empirical double-diffusive
flux laws – an approach taken by earlier models. Instead, we base our analytical
explorations directly on the governing (Navier–Stokes) equations of motion. The
model predictions of the growth rates and preferred slopes of intrusions are in
general agreement with the laboratory and field measurements.
Type
Article
Description
The article of record as published may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022112011000061
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
J. Fluid Mech. (2011), vol. 675, pp. 117–140.
Distribution Statement
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.