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Editorial Type:
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Article Type:
Research Article

Spatial Structure of Turbulent Mixing in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean

Qingxuan Yang1, Wei Zhao1, Min Li1, and Jiwei Tian1
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  • 1 Physical Oceanography Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
Print Publication:
01 Aug 2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-13-0148.1
Page(s):
2235–2247
Restricted access

Abstract

Turbulent mixing in the northwestern Pacific Ocean is estimated using the Gregg–Henyey–Polzin scaling and Thorpe-scale methods. The data sources are the hydrographic observations during October and November 2005. The results reveal clear spatial patterns of turbulent mixing in the study area. High-level diffusivity on the order of 10−3 m2 s−1 or larger is found within the western boundary region, where the Kuroshio flows northward. The width covered by this prominent diffusivity shows an increase from 12° to 18°N. The horizontal distribution of depth-averaged diffusivity in the top 500 m shows enhanced mixing with diffusivity of 6 × 10−3 m2 s−1 south of 9°N where the Mindanao Eddy remains a quasi-permanent feature. These two distinct patterns of diffusivity distribution suggest that the Kuroshio and the Mindanao Eddy are likely responsible for the elevated turbulent mixing in the study area.

Denotes Open Access content.

Corresponding author address: Jiwei Tian, No. 238 Songling Road, Physical Oceanography Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China. E-mail: tianjw@ouc.edu.cn

Abstract

Turbulent mixing in the northwestern Pacific Ocean is estimated using the Gregg–Henyey–Polzin scaling and Thorpe-scale methods. The data sources are the hydrographic observations during October and November 2005. The results reveal clear spatial patterns of turbulent mixing in the study area. High-level diffusivity on the order of 10−3 m2 s−1 or larger is found within the western boundary region, where the Kuroshio flows northward. The width covered by this prominent diffusivity shows an increase from 12° to 18°N. The horizontal distribution of depth-averaged diffusivity in the top 500 m shows enhanced mixing with diffusivity of 6 × 10−3 m2 s−1 south of 9°N where the Mindanao Eddy remains a quasi-permanent feature. These two distinct patterns of diffusivity distribution suggest that the Kuroshio and the Mindanao Eddy are likely responsible for the elevated turbulent mixing in the study area.

Denotes Open Access content.

Corresponding author address: Jiwei Tian, No. 238 Songling Road, Physical Oceanography Laboratory, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China. E-mail: tianjw@ouc.edu.cn
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