Detailed internal wave mixing above a deep-ocean slope
van Haren, H.; Gostiaux, L. (2012). Detailed internal wave mixing above a deep-ocean slope. J. Mar. Res. 70(1): 173-197. dx.doi.org/10.1357/002224012800502363
In: Journal of Marine Research. Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale University: New Haven, Conn.. ISSN 0022-2402; e-ISSN 1543-9542, more
Turbulent vertical eddy diffusivity (K-z) and dissipation rate (epsilon) are estimated between 0.5 and 50 m above the sloping side of Great Meteor Seamount, Canary Basin, using 101 moored temperature sensors, 1-mK precision, sampling at 1 Hz. Effectively, detailed observed time-depth temperature images are split in two: a statically stable and a turbulence image. Tides dominate the temperature variations, but the local bottom slope is supercritical to motions at semidiurnal frequencies. Averaged over a fortnight, the observed overall time-depth mean K-z = 3 +/- 1 x 10(-3) m(2) s(-1) and epsilon = 1.5 +/- 0.7 x 10(-7) W kg(-1). Variations with time and depth are large, by up to four orders of magnitude. Although variations do occur having tidal periodicity, shorter-scale variations are more intense. A particular tidal period shows multiple vigorous overturning events, the largest found away from the bottom during the downslope phase but just prior to arrival of an upslope moving, equally vigorous bore. The strength of the bore may be controlled by the intensity of the mixing just prior to it. The bore itself is turbulent from the bottom upward, up to some 40 m above it. Its mixing is most efficient providing large fluxes in extremely thin layers. Parameterizations of turbulence estimates are inconclusive using powers of N, as they show different relationships for different depths, time-ranges and averaging.
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