An inverse model of double diffusive convection in the Beaufort Sea

Abstract

This study explores the fluxes of heat and salt associated with thermohaline staircases in the Beaufort Sea. An inverse model is developed to calculate the vertical transport of properties in the southern portion of the Beaufort Sea directly from observations. The applicability of laboratory derived 4/3 flux law is addressed. Three formulations of the static advective-diffusive equations are discretized on a uniform grid, and inverted using the method of Total Least Squares. The first formulation is based on the classic flux-gradient model, and is analyzed in both one and three-dimensions. The second formulation utilizes Turner formulation of the 4/3 flux law, but the formulation of the coefficient C(Rp) remains unknown. The third formulation includes the full form of the Kelley model, but the amplitude of C(Rp) is unknown. Layer averaged heat flux through the thermohaline staircases is found to be on the order of 1 W/m2, which is significantly higher than previous studies. This implies that the laboratory formulation of the 4/3 flux law may require calibration