EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Gargett & Schmitt 1982
Gargett, A.E. and Schmitt, R.W. (1982). Observations of Salt Fingers in the central waters of the Eastern North Pacific. Journal of Geophysical Research 87: doi: 10.1029/JC080i010p08017. issn: 0148-0227.

This paper presents direct measurements of the temperature signature of salt fingers, observed by a horizontally towed temperature sensor at a station in the middle of the subtropical gyre in the eastern North Pacific. The observed spectral shape compares favourably with predictions from the spectral model of Schmitt (1979a), in which a wide range of finger wave numbers grow. The buoyancy flux due to temperature across the fingering interface is estimated by three methods: a 'direct' determination from the observed temperature gradient variance and predictions from two laboratory flux laws. The order-of-magnitude agreement among these estimates is an encouraging start to the problem of parameterizing the heat, salt, and buoyance fluxes associated with salt fingering in the Central Waters of the sugtropical gyres, a very real problem in view of the widespread occurrence of salt-fingering signatures in the towed temperature records.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit