Large-scale inhomogeneities of the tropical Atlantic density field

Horizontal gradients of the density field have been computer using historical temperature-salinity data; large-scale inhomogeneities and the areas of maximal density gradients have been identified and their spatio-temporal variability determined. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Identification of mantle and lithospheric components of the gravity field by isostatic gravity anomalies

All anomalous masses of the Earth are reflected in the free air gravity anomalies and the geoidal undulations. The low viscosity of the asthenosphere significantly reduces the possibility of existence of density inhomogeneities in the layer. This fact provides some physical basis for the separation of the gravity field anomalies. It has been shown by power spectrum analysis of the free air anomalies and gravity field of isostatically compensated model of the lithosphere for the North Atlantic and adjacent areas of America, Europe and Mediterranean, that the attraction of isostatically compensated model is significant for any wave length of the field. It causes significant error in the interpretation if long wavelength constituents of the free air gravity anomalies are considered as a field of deep anomalous masses. The isostatic anomalies und isostatic geoid are free from the influences of isostatically compensated lithosphere. The characteristic feature of the isostatic anomalies power spectrum is a pronounced minimum at the wavelength of about 1000 km. The relative homogeneity of the asthenosphere may explain this minimum. It means that principal density inhomogeneities of the Earth's interior are separated by the asthenospheric layer. Such a minimum has not been observed at the power spectrum of free air anomalies being masked by corresponding wavelength of the field of isostatically compensated lithosphere. Isostatic anomalies that reflect the differences between the real structure of the lithosphere and its isostatically compensated model have wavelengths less than 1000 km. Isostatic anomalies with the wavelength more than 1000 km reflect the attraction of density inhomogeneities situated under the level of isostatic compensation. The basic features of power spectrum of isostatic anomalies are the same for oceanic and continental areas. The method based on Kolmogorov-Wiener filtration which consideres statistical characteristics of the field has been developed to divide the isostatic gravity anomalies into lithosphere and mantle components. For the North Atlantic and adjacent areas the field of mantle inhomogeneities has been determined.     

On several mechanisms of the formation of the compensated thermohaline inhomogeneities in the ocean

The process of the geostrophic adjustment in the stably stratified two-component medium is studied in the framework of a linear approximation. We demonstrate that, at the final stage of that process, a stationary trace is generated by the distribution of the temperature and salinity, whose horizontal inhomogeneities mutually compensate in the field of the density. The compensation level for the stationary thermohaline distributions forming during the geostrophic adjustment is estimated. The origination mechanism of compensated thermohaline inhomogeneities in hydrodynamically stable shear flows is examined. We show that, in such flows, the disturbances of the fields of buoyancy (density), pressure, and velocity damp with time, whereas the compensated disturbances of the fields of the temperature and salinity are carried off by the flow without damping. Based on the explicit solutions of the dynamic equations, it is shown that the evolution of the compensated distribution of the temperature and salinity in the shear flows usually results in the sharpening of the spatial gradients. This feature may be, among others, related to one of the factors of the origination of the fine structure of the ocean: the small-scale thermohaline inhomogeneities, which exist against the background of the smooth vertical distribution of the density.     

Acoustic plane-wave scattering from a rough surface over a random fluid medium

Acoustic plane-wave scattering from a rough surface overlying a fluid half-space with a sound-speed distribution subject to a small random variation is considered. Under the assumption that the surface roughness and medium randomness are statistically independent, the scattered field may be derived by first solving for the mean field in the medium, and then incorporating with boundary-perturbation method to obtain the total mean field and the power spectral density of the scattered field. The employed algorithm is compatible to the analysis available in the existing literature so that the formulations are conveniently integrated. The results for the power spectral density have shown that the effects of medium inhomogeneities on the rough surface scattering are limited in a spectral regime where the scattered components have shallow grazing angles. The distribution of the power spectral density over the space is primarily governed by the power spectrum and correlation lengths of the rough surface.     

Geostrophic flow disturbances generated by inhomogeneities of the gravitational field

A theoretical problem of linear stationary disturbances of the background geostrophic flow of a stratified rotating medium (atmosphere) that are induced by inhomogeneities of the gravitational field is considered. There is a common belief that such inhomogeneities may only somewhat deform (distort) the state of hydrostatic equilibrium, but cannot affect the dynamics of the flow in the atmosphere. Generally, the problem statement is different for the processes over a solid surface and a water surface, because a water surface (the lower boundary condition for the atmosphere) is deformed by inhomogeneities of the gravitational field. The problem of disturbances over a water surface has been considered in recent papers of the authors; in this paper, the results are developed and significantly revised. The emphasis is on disturbances over a flat horizontal surface, which were not examined before. From the analytical solutions, it follows that the influence of inhomogeneities of the gravitational field on the atmospheric flows may be significant in some cases. Physical generation mechanisms of disturbances are analyzed.     

The influence of stratification on the field of wave disturbances generated by a barotropic tide in the vicinity of the Mid-Atlantic ridge

In the framework of the linear theory for the long waves occurring in a fluid with a density gradient, the paper concentrates on the field of wave disturbances generated by a barotropic tide in the vicinity of the Mid-Atlantic ridge. Dependences of the wave amplitudes and velocities on the stratification parameters, the angle of onrunning and the period of the barotropic tide have been obtained. A similar study for a model ridge relief of paraboloidal shape has been conducted in ref. 1. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

长江口南港底部边界层特征的观测与分析

对长江口2002年和2003年共4个潮周期的数据进行了分析,通过流速对数剖面公式计算边界层参数,并对各个潮周期内的边界层参数的变化规律进行了分析,同时也对悬沙输送可能对垂向水流结构以及边界层参数造成的影响进行了探讨。结果表明,悬沙的时间分布特征对温度、盐度、水体密度的分布格局有重要影响,主要表现在水体的Rf值普遍较高,分层稳定。此外,悬沙也可影响边界层参数,从而对水流结构产生影响。由于水体的层化作用,使层间的摩擦阻力增大,相当于在垂向上产生不同内边界层,因而影响了流速在垂向上的变化。     

Density Current Descending along Continental Slope and the Associated Deep Water Formation: Two-Dimensional Numerical Experiments with a Nonhydrostatic Model

Numerical experiments with a two-dimensional nonhydrostatic ocean model have been carried out to investigate the dynamical process of descending density current on a continental slope. The associated deep water formation has been also examined by tracking labeled particles. The descending flow along the continental slope occurs in the bottom Ekman layer. The net pressure gradient determining the volume transport consists of not only the pressure gradient due to density deviation but also the surface pressure gradient due to the depth-mean alongshore flow. Since these constituents have the opposite signs and strengthen each other, the oscillation with an alternation of intense up- and downslope flows appears around the shelf break. This temporal variation of the flow field causes the effective mixing on the slope between descending shelf and interior waters and forms the deep water as a mixture of them at a ratio of about 1:3. The present result is applied to the slope current around Antarctica, using velocity and density fields calculated by an ocean general circulation model. The Ekman volume transport is estimated at 0.97 Sv (1 Sv = 10⁶ m³s^–1) in the Weddell Sea, 0.35 Sv in the Ross Sea, and 1.8 Sv in total. About 70% of them is attributed to the depth-mean alongshore flow, such as the East Wind Drift and the Weddell Gyre driven by the wind. This suggests that the pressure gradient due to other factors than density deviation may play an important role in the deep and bottom water formation in the actual oceans.     

Baroclinic pressure gradient difference schemes of subtracting the local averaged density stratification in sigma coordinates models

Much has been written of the error in computing the baroclinic pressure gradient (BPG) with sigma coordinates in ocean or atmos- pheric numerical models. The usual way to reduce the error is to subtract area-averaged density stratification of the whole computa- tion region. But if there is great difference between the area-averaged and the local averaged density stratification, the error will be obvious. An example is given to show that the error from this method may be larger than that from no correction sometimes. The definition of local area is put forward. Then, four improved BPG difference schemes of subtracting the local averaged density strat- ification are designed to reduce the error. Two of them are for diagnostic calculation (density field is fixed), and the others are for prognostic calculation (density field is not fixed). The results show that the errors from these schemes all significantly decrease.     

Large-scale inhomogeneities of the tropical Atlantic temperature field

Horizontal gradients of the temperature fields have been calculated by the climatic temperature/ salinity data. Large-scale inhomogeneities and the areas of maximal temperature gradients have been identified and their spatio-temporal variability determined. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Wind wave breaking under the conditions of inhomogeneous currents and of the atmospheric boundary layer

As known fromin situ observations, inhomogeneities of flows and of the atmospheric boundary layer produce variations of the intensity of wind wave breaking. A relevant phenomenological model is suggested here, describingin situ data on the breaking of waves in the presence of internal waves. The response of the wave breaking to the flow's inhomogeneity enhances with the growth of its spatial or temporal scale. For the mesoscale (10–100 km) inhomogeneities, the model is essentially simplified—wave breakings depict the local energy inputs to wind waves. The model allows us to compute currents of various type in the wave breaking intensity field. The results may have practical implications, in terms of remote sensing of the ocean. Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Studying the mesoscale structure of inhomogeneities within the high-latitude stratosphere during the evolution of the circumpolar vortex on the basis of aircraft measurements

Mesoscale inhomogeneities in the fields of wind, temperature, and ozone concentrations have been studied on the basis of aircraft measurements performed within the international EUPLEX and RECONCILE projects in the northern polar region in the presence of the circumpolar vortex. Data have been obtained on the structure of turbulence inside and outside the circumpolar vortex. The zones of enhanced turbulence have been studied. The spectrum of coherence between ozone and wind velocity are found to have high values.     

Joint Soviet-Turkish expedition in the Black Sea

The hydrological and hydrochemical structures of the upper 300 m water column of the Black Sea in autumn 1988 have been studied. Regularities in the distribution of the physico-chemical characteristics in the zone of interaction between aerobic and anaerobic waters as well as the topography of the H₂S zone boundary and its connection with a certain density gradient have been found.Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Variation in vertical stress in the Baram Basin, Brunei: tectonic and geomechanical implications

The vertical or lithostatic stress is an important factor in tectonic and geomechanical studies and is commonly used in the prediction of pore pressures and fracture gradients. However, the vertical stress is not always calculated in situ and the approximation of 1.0 psi/ft (22.63 MPa/km) is often used for the vertical stress gradient. Vertical stress has been determined in 24 fields in the Baram Basin, Brunei, using density log and checkshot velocity survey data. The Baram Basin shows a variation in vertical stress gradient between 18.3 and 24.3 MPa/km at 1500 m depth below the surface. This variation has a significant effect on in situ stress related issues in field development such as wellbore stability and fracture stimulation. The variation is caused by a bulk rock density change of 2.48–2.07 g/cm³ from the hinterland of the delta to its front. Differential uplift and erosion of the delta hinterland and undercompaction associated with overpressure are the interpreted causes of the density and hence vertical stress variation.     

Stratified Flows Due to Spatial Inhomogeneities of Exchange Coefficients

Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics - Attention is drawn to the unexplored mechanism of generation of density currents in stratified media. Horizontal inhomogeneities of the exchange...     

2.5维海洋非线性共轭梯度反演应用效果研究

为了研究频率域2.5维非线性共轭梯度反演在海洋天然气水合物探测中的实际应用效果,利用美国Scripps研究所在South Hydrate海域采集的可控源电磁探测数据进行2.5维非线性共轭梯度反演计算,结合其他地球物理方法在同一海区的研究结果,综合分析2.5维反演计算的准确性和有效性。结果表明,非线性共轭梯度反演能够清晰地反映出该区域海底面以下1~2 km地层的电导率结构分布,其局部反演结果与地震反射、地震层序、测井分析结果基本一致,且对小尺寸异常、浅层高阻体分辨力较强,尤其在海洋天然气水合物探测方面具有较大潜力。     

Space and time variations in the fine structure of the upper atmosphere according to acoustic sounding data

The results of studying variations in the fine layered structure of the upper atmosphere (heights of 20–140 km) according to data obtained from acoustic sounding within the range of infrasonic waves are given. The sources of infrasounds were surface explosions equivalent to 10 kg to 70 t of TNT. These explosions were set off in different seasons in different regions of Russia. Experimental data obtained in 1981–2011 have been analyzed. It has been found that the fine structure in the form of vertically distributed layered formations occurs in the upper atmosphere in all seasons. Moreover, the vertical distribution of both air-temperature and wind-velocity inhomogeneities in the upper atmosphere may be invariable over a time interval of no less than several hours. It has also been found that, throughout the entire atmospheric thickness from the stratopause to the lower thermosphere heights (up to 140 km), the instantaneous height distribution of layered air-temperature and wind-velocity inhomogeneities may remain almost unchanged during a time interval of no less than 20 min.     

A note on flow structure in the Great Ouse estuary

Field measurements of vertical profiles of velocity and salinity along with turbulence measurements have been used to examine the effect of density gradients on the flow structure in the Great Ouse estuary. During the flood tide shear and longitudinal density gradients cause well mixed conditions in the lower part of the water column. In the upper part of the water column secondary flow effects induced by transverse density gradients, and acceleration effects can contribute to the formation of stable vertical density gradients. On the ebb tide the vertical density gradient appears to be the dominant factor which determines the structure of the flow. The velocity and shear stress data show the evidence of large scale motions which are consistent with the postulated flood and ebb flow structures.     

Imagery of the inhomogeneities of currents on the ocean surface state

The influence of inhomogeneities of surface currents on the intensity of breaking wind waves is considered and a model for the relation between whitecap contrasts and the tensor of current gradients is developed. The imagery of typical patterns of ocean currents is discussed. The results of field observations supporting this model are given.Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Double-celled circulation in coastal upwelling

Simple numerical experiments on two-dimensional coastal upwelling are made with emphasis on the role of non-geostrophic solenoidal field of density in the formation of double-celled circulation and multi-celled density front. Geometry of shelf and slope is not taken into account. Existence of poleward undercurrent presumably caused by the longshore variation of the large scale pressure field is also suppressed for the sake of simplicity.The results are, (1) double-celled circulation revealed in the present experiment is closely related with the internal frictional layer, where the horizontal density gradient balances with the vertical gradient of the longshore velocity and the vertical diffusion of the vorticity. (2) density front formed by the emergence of the pycnocline to the sea surface is successively advected offshoreward by the Ekman transport. (3) the pycnocline intersecting the sea surface forms the density front which is nearly vertical on account of the small scale convection. The surface currents converge at the front and construct an anti-clockwise circulation (viewed from the lee side). (4) small coefficient of eddy viscosity and strong wind stress lead the Ekman transport unstable and form a multi-celled structure in the frontal region.