On the structure and dynamics of the oceanic bottom boundary layer.

Abstract

The Mellor and Yamada Level II turbulence closure scheme is used to study the oceanic bottom boundary layer (BBL). The model is tested against observations of the BBL obtained on the western Florida Shelf reported in Weatherly and Van Leer and in turn conclusions about the BBl made in that paper are tested against the model. The one-dimensional BBL formed under an along-isobath current in a stably stratified ocean is investigated for the case when the bottom is inclined relative to the horizontal isotherms. It is found that the BBL may no longer have the signature of a simple, vertically well-mixed layer because of Ekman-veering-induced upwelling (downwelling) of cooler (warmer) water in the BBL. (A)