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

Detailed Reference Information
Watanabe & Hibiya 2002
Watanabe, M. and Hibiya, T. (2002). Global estimates of the wind-induced energy flux to inertial motions in the surface mixed layer. Geophysical Research Letters 29: doi: 10.1029/2001GL014422. issn: 0094-8276.

It is believed that large-scale oceanic thermohaline circulation is strongly influenced by small-scale ocean mixing processes. In order to satisfy the large-scale advective-diffusive balance of the meridional overturning circulation, about 2.1 TW (1 TW = 1012 W) of power is required for the ocean mixing processes. This power is thought to be supplied by internal tides as well as wind stress fluctuations. Although the global energy flux from internal tides is estimated to be about 0.9 TW based on astronomical measurements, direct estimate of the global energy flux from wind stress fluctuations has not been made so far. In this study, using a simple numerical model, we estimate the wind-induced global energy flux to inertial motions in the surface mixed layer. The calculated results show that the estimated global energy flux falls short of the required value.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Oceanography, Physical, Internal and inertial waves, Oceanography, Physical, Turbulence, diffusion, and mixing processes, Oceanography, Physical, Upper ocean processes, Oceanography, General, Numerical modeling
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
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