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Turbulence in the upper-ocean mixed layer.

Eric A D'Asaro¹

¹Applied Physics Laboratory and School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105;

Annual Review of Marine Science

|August 6, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Surface waves significantly influence upper-ocean mixing, deviating from traditional models driven solely by atmospheric fluxes and ocean currents. Further research is needed to fully establish this new paradigm in oceanography.

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Area of Science:

Oceanography
Fluid Dynamics
Atmospheric Science

Background:

Traditional upper-ocean mixing models rely on atmospheric fluxes and ocean circulation shear.
Historical dissipation rate measurements supported this classical view.
Recent findings reveal significant deviations from classical models.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the influence of surface waves on upper-ocean mixing.
To evaluate recent measurements and theoretical results concerning wave influence.
To assess the validity of a new paradigm for ocean mixing.

Main Methods:

Review of detailed measurements from recent investigations.
Analysis of theoretical and numerical results, including large-eddy simulations.
Examination of the Craik-Leibovich vortex force.

Main Results:

Measurements show significant deviations from classical upper-ocean mixing models.
Surface waves demonstrably influence ocean mixing processes.
Large-eddy simulations and the Craik-Leibovich vortex force show promise in explaining these deviations.

Conclusions:

Surface waves play a crucial role in upper-ocean mixing, challenging existing models.
While evidence supports the influence of waves, more data is required for definitive acceptance of a new paradigm.
Further research is essential to fully understand and model wave-driven ocean mixing.