Sea surface cooling at the Equator by subsurface mixing in tropical instability waves

Moum, James N.; Lien, Ren‐Chieh; Perlin, A.; Nash, Jonathan D.; Gregg, Michael C.; Wiles, P. J.

doi:10.1038/ngeo657

Cited by 113 publications

(114 citation statements)

References 27 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

103

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…10). Increased K d in the upper 100 m is consistent with the analysis of (amongst others) Moum et al (2009) and found in all basins. A secondary K d maximum can be seen in the Pacific and Atlantic immediately underneath the Equatorial Undercurrent.…”

Section: Estimated Turbulent Transport Parameterssupporting

confidence: 79%

On the observability of turbulent transport rates by Argo: supporting evidence from an inversion experiment

2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. Although estimation of turbulent transport parameters using inverse methods is not new, there is little evaluation of the method in the literature. Here, it is shown that extended observation of the broad-scale hydrography by Argo provides a path to improved estimates of regional turbulent transport rates. Results from a 20-year ocean state estimate produced with the ECCO v4 (Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean, version 4) non-linear inverse modeling framework provide supporting evidence. Turbulent transport parameter maps are estimated under the constraints of fitting the extensive collection of Argo profiles collected through 2011. The adjusted parameters dramatically reduce misfits to in situ profiles as compared with earlier ECCO solutions. They also yield a clear reduction in the model drift away from observations over multi-century-long simulations, both for assimilated variables (temperature and salinity) and independent variables (biogeochemical tracers). Despite the minimal constraints imposed specifically on the estimated parameters, their geography is physically plausible and exhibits close connections with the upper-ocean stratification as observed by Argo. The estimated parameter adjustments furthermore have first-order impacts on upper-ocean stratification and mixed layer depths over 20 years. These results identify the constraint of fitting Argo profiles as an effective observational basis for regional turbulent transport rate inversions. Uncertainties and further improvements of the method are discussed.

show abstract

Section: Estimated Turbulent Transport Parameterssupporting

confidence: 79%

On the observability of turbulent transport rates by Argo: supporting evidence from an inversion experiment

2015

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…This significantly shifts the focus of oceanic observation techniques, from large-scale to multi-scale processes. American scientists recently conducted synchronous observation of multi-scale dynamic processes in the upper ocean [36,37], furthering research on mechanisms of internal wave evolution and turbulence mixing processes. In short, deep dynamic processes in the SCS result from interactions and coexistence of multi-scale motions.…”

Section: Achieving Synchronous Observation Of Macroscopic Motions Andmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in research on the deep South China Sea circulation

Tian

2012

Chin. Sci. Bull.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Deep sea circulation is important for world climate and has been a substantial research area in ocean science, leading to various breakthroughs and discoveries. With the rapid advance in research on ocean science, these matters have received increasing attention from the oceanography community. In this article, we attempt to convey the progress made in recent years. We first provide an overview of existing observations, theories, and simulations of deep South China Sea circulation. Finally, we discuss remaining issues.

show abstract

“…Instead of sampling at a single location for a period of several days to several weeks (Peters et al 1988;Moum et al 1989Moum et al , 2009Lien et al 1995;Inoue et al 2012), profiling was done at several locations during a single cruise usually separated by 0.5° latitude on the meridional transects. This was accomplished by integrating microstructure profiling into the CTD station program during all cruises.…”

Section: Shipboard Observationsmentioning

confidence: 99%