Effects of mixed layer shear on vertical heat flux

Abstract

Measurements of salinity, temperature, and velocity shear profile time series were calculated from collocated AOFB and ITP buoys deployed in the Beaufort Sea from 2014–2015. Of interest was the effect ice speed has on MLD shear generation, Richardson number, and heat flux. The inertial components were also considered, as a large inertial event was present during the beginning of the data set. Data from the buoys show turbulent activity in the ocean during inertial wind events contributes to enhanced mixing in the mixed layer and entrainment of heat from the pycnocline. Data during non-inertial events has a much weaker correlation. Results demonstrated that during inertial events, ice speed was moderately correlated with heat flux (r = .56, p < .001). Non-inertial events saw a lower correlation of ice speed to heat flux (r = .312, p < .001). Relationships between ice speed and shear (r = .107, p < .001), ice speed and inverse Richardson number (r = .035, p = .256), inverse Richardson number and heat flux (r = .3, p < .001), heat content and heat flux (r = .084, p < .001) were also explored.