A Simple Parameterization of Turbulent Tidal Mixing near Supercritical Topography
Journal of Physical Oceanography (2010)
- ISSN: 00223670
- DOI: 10.1175/2010JPO4396.1
Available from journals.ametsoc.org
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A Simple Parameterization of Turbulent Tidal Mixing near Supercritical Topography
A simple parameterization of turbulent tidal mixing near
supercritical topography
JODY M. KLYMAK1, SONYA LEGG2, AND ROBERT PINKEL3
1School of Earth and Ocean Sciences and Department of Physics, University of Victoria,
Victoria, Canada
2Program in Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
3Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA, 98105,
USA
Submitted, Journal of Physical Oceanography,
April 1, 2010
Corresponding author address:
J. Klymak, jklymak@uvic.ca
1
supercritical topography
JODY M. KLYMAK1, SONYA LEGG2, AND ROBERT PINKEL3
1School of Earth and Ocean Sciences and Department of Physics, University of Victoria,
Victoria, Canada
2Program in Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
3Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA, 98105,
USA
Submitted, Journal of Physical Oceanography,
April 1, 2010
Corresponding author address:
J. Klymak, jklymak@uvic.ca
1
Page 2
2 JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY VOLUME
ABSTRACT
A simple parameterization for tidal dissipation near supercritical topography, de-
signed to be applied at deep mid-ocean ridges, is presented. In this parameteri-
zation, radiation of internal tides is quantified using a simple knife-edge model.
Modes that have high-frequency phase speeds slower than the tidal advection speed
are assumed to dissipate locally, primarily due to hydraulic effects near the ridge
crest. Evidence for high modes being dissipated is given in idealized numerical
models of tidal flow over a Gaussian ridge. These idealized models also give guid-
ance for where in the water column the predicted dissipation should be placed.
The parameterization compares well against simulations of tidal dissipation at the
Kauai ridge, but predicts less dissipation than estimated from observations of the
full Hawaiian ridge, perhaps due to unparameterized wave-wave interactions.
ABSTRACT
A simple parameterization for tidal dissipation near supercritical topography, de-
signed to be applied at deep mid-ocean ridges, is presented. In this parameteri-
zation, radiation of internal tides is quantified using a simple knife-edge model.
Modes that have high-frequency phase speeds slower than the tidal advection speed
are assumed to dissipate locally, primarily due to hydraulic effects near the ridge
crest. Evidence for high modes being dissipated is given in idealized numerical
models of tidal flow over a Gaussian ridge. These idealized models also give guid-
ance for where in the water column the predicted dissipation should be placed.
The parameterization compares well against simulations of tidal dissipation at the
Kauai ridge, but predicts less dissipation than estimated from observations of the
full Hawaiian ridge, perhaps due to unparameterized wave-wave interactions.
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