Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Investigating the Eddy Diffusivity Concept in the Coastal Ocean

I. I. Rypina Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

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A. Kirincich Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

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S. Lentz Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

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M. Sundermeyer University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, New Bedford, Massachusetts

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Print Publication:
01 Jul 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JPO-D-16-0020.1
Page(s):
2201–2218
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Abstract

This paper aims to test the validity, utility, and limitations of the lateral eddy diffusivity concept in a coastal environment through analyzing data from coupled drifter and dye releases within the footprint of a high-resolution (800 m) high-frequency radar south of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Specifically, this study investigates how well a combination of radar-based velocities and drifter-derived diffusivities can reproduce observed dye spreading over an 8-h time interval. A drifter-based estimate of an anisotropic diffusivity tensor is used to parameterize small-scale motions that are unresolved and underresolved by the radar system. This leads to a significant improvement in the ability of the radar to reproduce the observed dye spreading.

Corresponding author address: Irina I. Rypina, Physical Oceanography Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543. E-mail: irypina@whoi.edu

Abstract

This paper aims to test the validity, utility, and limitations of the lateral eddy diffusivity concept in a coastal environment through analyzing data from coupled drifter and dye releases within the footprint of a high-resolution (800 m) high-frequency radar south of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Specifically, this study investigates how well a combination of radar-based velocities and drifter-derived diffusivities can reproduce observed dye spreading over an 8-h time interval. A drifter-based estimate of an anisotropic diffusivity tensor is used to parameterize small-scale motions that are unresolved and underresolved by the radar system. This leads to a significant improvement in the ability of the radar to reproduce the observed dye spreading.

Corresponding author address: Irina I. Rypina, Physical Oceanography Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543. E-mail: irypina@whoi.edu
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