Small and mesoscale processes and their impact on the large scale: an introduction

Journal article

Great progress has been made in understanding the role of small- and mesoscale processes on the large-scale structure and circulation of the oceans. However, many questions remain regarding the sensitivity of the large-scale ocean circulation and hence the earth's climate, to rates of stirring, mixing, and dissipation supported by ocean eddies, internal waves, and boundary layers. Although such relatively small-scale oceanic phenomena are ubiquitous, we lack detailed knowledge about their interaction with the large-scale motions, as well as their interactions amongst themselves. Contributions are presented from observational, theoretical, and modeling studies that focus on small- and mesoscale ocean processes, and some parameterizations of these processes for use in studies of the large-scale circulation. The range of topics is relatively broad, with most focus on internal wave generation, flow-topography interaction, and small- and mesoscale processes involved in ocean mixing. General conclusions emphasize the notion of localized mixing and the importance of interaction between waves, eddies, and topography, and the importance of interactions between oceanic motions and the background density stratification. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Authors: van Haren, H; Laurent, L; Marshall, D

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY
• Volume: 51
• Issue: 25-26
• Pages: 2883-2887
• Publication date: 2004-01-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr2.2004.09.010
• ISSN: 0967-0645
• Language: English