Observations of Turbulence in the Surface Ocean Boundary Layer

Title:  Observations of Turbulence in the Surface Ocean Boundary Layer

Speaker:   Brian Ward (NUI Galway)

Date: Wednesday, 2nd December 2015

Time: 3pm – 4pm

Location: Room E1.19, Science East

 

Abstract:

The mixed layer depth (MLD) of the ocean is an important lengthscale for modelling may upper ocean processes. Turbulence in the surface ocean boundary layer (SOBL) is the key process for deepening the MLD, and therefore it is critical to correctly scale the different types of turbulence arising from wind, waves, and buoyancy. Turbulence is also a key process for increasing the exchange between the ocean and atmosphere. Here is presented observations of upper ocean turbulence using the autonomous profiling instrument ASIP (Air-Sea Interaction Proler) in different ocean basins which have enabled studies on internal breaking waves, air-sea exchange of CO2 and the impact of rainfall on upper ocean salinity.

 

Series: ACM