OSMOSIS: Ocean Surface Mixing, Ocean Sub-mesoscale Interaction Study

Lead Research Organisation: University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Ocean and Earth Science

Abstract

Detailed in the Lead Organization (University of Reading) proposal.

Publications

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Brannigan L (2017) Submesoscale Instabilities in Mesoscale Eddies in Journal of Physical Oceanography

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Brannigan L (2015) The seasonal cycle of submesoscale flows in Ocean Modelling

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Buckingham C (2016) Seasonality of submesoscale flows in the ocean surface boundary layer in Geophysical Research Letters

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Evans D (2018) Annual Cycle of Turbulent Dissipation Estimated from Seagliders in Geophysical Research Letters

 
Description We have discovered, using observations and an ocean model, that a new class of recently discovered upper-ocean flows (termed 'submesoscale') exhibit a pronounced seasonal cycle in a mid-ocean environment. We have shown that interactions of the winds with this class of flows are the main cause of upper-ocean turbulence, which is at odds with the representations of the ocean mixed layer used in climate models.
Exploitation Route These findings will lead to the advancement of ocean circulation and ocean-atmosphere models.
Sectors Environment

 
Description These findings will lead to the advancement of ocean circulation and ocean-atmosphere models.
First Year Of Impact 2014
Sector Environment,Other
 
Description Global Challenges Grants 2016
Amount £100,000 (GBP)
Organisation The Royal Society 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2017 
End 06/2018