Submesoscales and Mixed Layer Eddies
Baylor Fox-Kemper, University of Colorado
Oceanographers have traditionally viewed turbulence in two categories--fine scale and mesoscale--the fine scale turbulence being three-dimensional and effective at mixing across density classes while mesoscale turbulence is quasi-two-dimensional and nearly adiabatic. Recent work has shown that the scales in between, the submesoscales, have interesting dynamics distinct from either smaller or larger scales and a direct impact on climate. I will present some dynamical results of the submesoscale, as well as a parameterization developed to capture the most important effects of submesoscale eddies on climate.
SECURITY: If you are coming from outside the NOAA campus, please be advised that you will need an on-site sponsor. Please contact that person in advance of the seminar to be put on the list and allow 10 minutes extra on the day of the seminar. Please contact Joe Barsugli (303-497-6042) or Barbara Herrli (303-497-3876) at least a day before the seminar if you have any questions.