A model of the evolution of vertical thermohaline inhomogeneities of an oceanic thermocline taking into account the effects of double diffusion

We construct a numerical model of the evolution of the structure of an oceanic thermocline in the presence of “salt-finger” convection. The model explains the formation of a piecewise homogeneous vertical structure of the temperature and salinity fields in the ocean. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Manifestations of water dynamics in the coastal zone in the field of breaking of wind waves

In the coastal zone, as a result of mixing of waters, it is difficult to identify turbulent phenomena with a spatial scale of 0.1–1 km accompanied by strong vertical flows according to the data of measuring temperature. On the basis of the data of direct measurements, it is shown that turbulent structures are well pronounced in the field of breaking of wind waves. We deduce empirical estimates of the response of the intensity of wave breaking to the magnitude of divergence of the current and develop a theoretical model of the influence of inhomogeneities of currents on wave breaking capable of describing the experimental data. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Method for the evaluation of the spectral values of underwater quantum irradiance within the band of photosynthetically active radiation according to the depth of visibility of a Secchi disk

On the basis of the data of optical investigations performed in the Black Sea, we develop a method for the evaluation of the spectral values of underwater quantum irradiance within the band of photosynthetically active radiation according to the depth of visibility of a Secchi disk and the intensity of illumination of the sea in luxes. The method is based on the use of the correlations between the following optical parameters: of the vertical daylight attenuation factor α with the depth of visibility of a Secchi disk and of the spectral values of α(λ) within the band of photosynthetically active radiation with α(λ_min) for sea waters. This method is applicable in the winter-spring period when the seasonal thermocline is absent, the upper layers of the sea are mixed, and the vertical distribution of α is uniform. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Evaluation of the influence of surface films on short wind waves and the characteristics of the boundary layer of the atmosphere

With the help of a combined model of wind and waves, we study the influence of films of surfactants on the spectrum of short wind waves and the parameters of the lowest layer of the atmosphere. It is shown that the films of surfactants decrease the roughness of the sea surface as a result of suppression of short wind waves, which decreases the coefficient of resistance of the sea surface and the coefficient of turbulent heat exchange. The maximum influence of films on the exchange coefficients is attained forU∼10 m/s. In this case, the relative decrements of the coefficients of resistance and turbulent heat exchange are equal to 15 and 9%, respectively. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev UDC 551.46     

North Brazil current: vertical structure

On the basis of the data ofin situ measurements of the velocities of currents and basic hydrophysical parameters (such as temperature and salinity) carried out during Cruise 41 of the R/VAkademik Vernadsky, we analyze the structure of the North Brazil Current near the continental slope and in the equatorial abyssal part of the ocean in winter, establish the regularities of changes in the current velocity with depth, and compare the structures of the North Brazil and Guiana Currents. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Experimental evaluation of the characteristics of vertical mixing in an oceanic thermohalocline on the basis of fine-structure spectra of advection, salt fingers, and small-scale internal waves

We describe a differential approach to the spectral composition of thin thermohaline inhomogeneities in the ocean depending on the mechanisms responsible for their generation and demonstrate the possibilities of this approach in getting realistic hydrophysical results. The statistical classification of fine-structure fluctuations according to their origin is performed on the basis of the joint analysis of the temperature, salinity, and density spectra computed in a section of the vertical profile where the variation of mean gradients of all three parameters is insignificant. On the basis of the constructed mean spectrum of wave elevations, we estimate the dissipative characteristics of the convection of salt fingers and small-scale internal waves. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Modelling of the propagation of passive impurities in Sevastopol bays

We discuss the results of numerical experiments modelling the process of propagation of passive impurities from the Karantinnaya Bay caused by steady wind currents and turbulent diffusion. The currents are computed according to the Felzenbaum model for the cases of northeast and north-west winds [1, 2]. We analyse specific features of the space and time distribution of the impurities caused by the three-dimensional character of the currents. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Evaluation of the submarine discharge of karst waters in the region of Cape Aiya

For the submarine springs of underground water located in the karst cavities of Cape Aiya, we suggest a solution based on the modification of the model of flow rate of water and application of the formulas of mixing. We also give methodical recommendations helpful for the reliable determination of empirical parameters under thein situ conditions. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

A method of processing data provided by a gradient-distributed temperature sensor

This paper describes an algorithm for processing data provided by a gradient-distributed temperature sensor, based on the regularization method, to estimate internal wave parameters in the thermocline. Measurements of the average temperature in the layer, temperature data at its boundaries, as well as the vertical temperature profile at the initial moment of time serve as input data. Data on the error-level of parameter measurements and ana priori assumption as to the monotonic declining of temperature with depth is applied. Examples of computations are given illustrating the validity of the algorithm.Translated by V. Puchkin.     

On the influence of a diurnal baroclinic tide on the diffusion of an impurity

We investigate the influence of baroclinic tidal waves on the diffusion of an impurity spot in a continuously stratified liquid. The equation of turbulent diffusion is solved numerically by taking into account the wave currents. We establish the dependences of the characteristics of the diffusion process on the parameters of the baroclinic wave and the location of the impurity spot. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Turbulent diffusion of impurities in the ocean in the presence of internal waves

We study the influence of baroclinic tidal waves on the diffusion of an impurity spot in a continuously stratified fluid. The equation of turbulent diffusion is solved numerically by taking into account the wave currents. We establish the dependences of the characteristics of the diffusion process on parameters of baroclinic waves and the location of the impurity spot. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

南海南部上层的湍流混合特征

A turbulent microstructure experiment was undertaken at a low latitude of 10°N in the South China Sea in late August 2012. The characteristics of the eddy diffusivity above 650 m were analyzed, which is one order of magnitude larger than that in the open ocean at that low latitude. Enhanced eddy diffusivities by strong shears and sharp changes in topography were observed. The strongest eddy diffusivity occurred in the mixed layer, and it reached O(10–2 m2/s). Strong stratification in the thermocline inhibited the penetration of surface eddy diffusivities through the thermocline, where the mixing was weakest. Below the thermocline, where the background eddy diffusivity was approximately O(10–6 m2/s), the eddy diffusivity increased with depth, and its largest value was O(10–3 m2/s).     

North Brazil Current: Variability, stability and transport of waters

On the basis of the data of thein situ measurements of current velocities and other basic hydrophysical parameters (temperature and salinity) performed in the course of Cruise 41 of the R/VAkademik Vernadsky, we analyze the variability and stability of the North Brazil Current in winter. We also study the possibility of the influence of the baroclinic component of the horizontal drop of hydrostatic pressure on the vertical profile of the current velocity and estimate the intensity of the transport of waters. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Reconstruction of the seasonal climate of the Black Sea on the basis of available hydrological data

We analyze the seasonal variability of the climatic hydrophysical fields of the Black Sea reporduced in three numerical experiments carried out according to the model of circulation. The numerical predictions are performed for a period of 12.5 yr on the basis of the hydrological data accumulated in 1983–1995. The monthly average climatic fields of the current speed are reconstructed according to the data on the climatic fields of temperature and salinity by the method of hydrodynamic adaptation (standard). It is shown that, in prognostic calculations, the seasonal variability of temperature and salinity is qualitatively close to the “standard” dependence. At the same time, the quantitative difference between the climatic behavior of the model and the standard dependence may be significant. The annual cycle of the currents is characterized by the intensification of the Main Black-Sea Current in winter. The structure of the hydrophysical fields of the sea in the model becomes much more realistic if it is based on the actual hydrological data. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Turbulence in the ocean: Development of investigations, evolution of ideas, and prospects

We present an analytic survey of a series of works devoted to the direct methods for the investigation of turbulence in natural basins originated under the guidance of A. G. Kolesnikov in the 50s. We describe the principal results of the early stage which formed the basis for future investigations. The main scientific directions of the latest period are also considered from the viewpoint of the development of Kolesnikov's ideas: investigation of the processes of generation and energy supply of small-scale turbulence, relationship between turbulence and the fine vertical structure and internal waves, and the mechanisms of vertical turbulent exchange in the ocean. A model of vertical exchange under the conditions of intermittent “source” turbulence is distinguished. We also discuss the directions of development and prospects of the investigation of turbulence. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Rotation of orbital currents in the trains of internal solitons in the ocean

We analyze the results of measurements of currents in the trains of internal solitons on the New-York shelf of the Atlantic Ocean performed in the course of the Joint US/Russia Internal Wave Remote Sensing Experiment (JUSREX). It was discovered that the thermocline is characterized by an almost monotonic anticyclonic variation of the direction of orbital currents in the trains of solitons but the direction of waves in each train is practically constant. As a rule, the current significantly deviates to the left from the direction of waves in the leading soliton and approaches the indicated direction in the rear solitons of the train. The angular rotation current velocity corresponded to periods varying within the range 12–24h and, on the average, was close to the local inertial period. It is shown that this rotation cannot be caused by the distorting influence of advection of background shear currents but, most likely, is connected with the unknown properties of internal solitons in the rotating ocean. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

Generation of internal waves by a barotropic tide in the coastal zone

Within the framework of the linear theory of long waves, we study internal waves generated by a barotropic tide in a two-layer ocean of variable depth taking into account the influence of the Coriolis force. Barotropic waves run over an extended unevenness of the bottom at an arbitrary angle. This unevenness is regarded as a model of the continental slope and shelf. We establish the dependences of the amplitudes of generated internal waves on the angle of incidence of the barotropic tide, topography of the bottom, and stratification. Translated by Peter V. Malyshev and Dmitry V. Malyshev     

长江口涨潮与落潮流速和悬沙输运不对称性研究

为了量化比较海表层环境及温跃层环境对南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼渔场分布的影响程度;本研究采用2010-2012年南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼延绳钓渔船实际生产统计数据;结合卫星遥感所获取的海表面温度（sea surface temperature;SST）和海表面高度（sea surface height;SSH）数据以及Argo浮标所获取的温跃层上、下界水温和深度数据;运用外包络法分别构建了基于海表层环境变量、温跃层上界环境变量以及温跃层下界环境变量的3种栖息地适应性指数（habitat suitability index;HSI）模型。模型验证结果显示;基于海表层环境变量的HSI模型;HSI>0.6时所占产量比重为70.04%;投钩数量比重为70.86%;HSI>0.8时所占产量比重为24.92%;投钩数量比重为25.79%;基于温跃层上界环境变量的HSI模型;HSI>0.6时所占产量比重为82.17%;投钩数量比重为80.95%;HSI>0.8时所占产量比重为33.24%;投钩数量比重为32.69%;基于温跃层下界环境变量的HSI模型;HSI>0.6时所占产量比重为81.01%;投钩数量比重为81.54%;HSI>0.8时所占产量比重为43.51%;投钩数量比重为43.73%。研究发现;基于温跃层上界和下界环境变量的两个HSI模型预报精度明显高于基于表层环境变量的HSI模型;且基于温跃层下界环境变量的HSI模型预报精度高于基于温跃层上界环境变量的HSI模型。研究结果表明;相较于海表层环境;温跃层环境;尤其是温跃层下界环境特征对南太平洋长鳍金枪鱼资源分布的影响更为显著。     

Validation of turbulence closure parameterisations for stably stratified flows using the PROVESS turbulence measurements in the North Sea

A number of parameterisations for the simulation of mixing processes in the thermocline are compared and tested against the microstructure data of the PROVESS campaigns, conducted in the northern part of the North Sea during the autumn of 1998. The transport term in the turbulent kinetic energy equation is parameterised via the introduction of a third stability function S_k for turbulent energy diffusion. The formulations are compared with a simpler scheme based upon limiting conditions for turbulence variables. Improved results are obtained with a new form of S_k. The best agreement is, however, found with the simpler limiting scheme. This is explained in terms of a turbulence length scale theory for stably stratified turbulence. In agreement with previous laboratory and ocean data it is found that the ratios of the Thorpe and Kolmogorov scales to the Ozmidov length scale approach critical limiting values in the thermocline. The first of these conditions is satisfied when limiting conditions are implemented into the scheme, providing the necessary minimum value for the dissipation rate, whereas the schemes without limiting conditions fail to produce this critical ratio. The basic reason for this failure is that the Thorpe scale is overestimated, which is shown to be connected to an even larger overprediction of the dissipation rate of temperature variance. To investigate the impact of non-resolved advective processes and salinity stratification on the turbulence predictions, additional numerical experiments were conducted using a simple scheme for data assimilation. The best agreement is found again with the limiting scheme, which is able to make reasonable predictions for the dissipation rate without knowing the detailed shape of the mean stratification profile. It is shown that advective transport due to tidally and wind-driven motions has a non-negligible impact on vertical mixing. This is seen in the data and the models by periodic enhancements of turbulent mixing inside the thermocline.