The bottom currents in the area of abyssal hills in the north-east tropical Pacific Ocean

The results of simultaneous measurements of the bottom (6.25 and 35 m above the bottom) currents, deep currents, and surface currents made at three points in the north-east tropical Pacific Ocean are given. The bottom intensification of the current velocity is revealed in a layer of 35–25 m above the bottom. The estimation of the thickness of the bottom boundary layer (BBL) indicates that the velocity intensification is observed over the boundary layer upper border. A 10-day long benthic storm with a maximum measured velocity of 13 cm/s was revealed 6 m above the bottom. As was found, the origin of the benthic storm is associated with the penetration of an anticyclonic eddy down to the bottom.Translated by Mikhail M. Trufanov.     

Currents and turbulent diffusion in the bottom boundary layer of the Barents Sea

The numerical analysis of the stationary field of current velocity on the upper boundary of the bottom boundary layer in the Barents Sea is performed on the basis of a simplified model taking into account the fields of wind velocity and density of water for the principal periods of the seasonal cycle and the bottom topography. The analysis is based on the climatic BarKode database and the data on the wind velocity over the Barents Sea for the last 50 yr. The numerical results demonstrate that the field of bottom currents is fairly nonuniform and the current velocities vary from several fractions of 1 cm/sec to 5 cm/sec in the zones with noticeable slopes of the bottom. The estimates of the thickness of the bottom boundary layer are obtained for the constant coefficient of bottom friction C _f = 0.04. In the major part of the water area of the Barents Sea, the thickness of the bottom boundary layer is close to 1 m. In the regions with significant slopes of the bottom, it increases to 2–2.5 m and, in the two zones of intensification of the bottom currents, becomes as large as 5 m. The maximum estimate of the coefficient of turbulent viscosity is close to 5 cm²/sec. The mean value of the coefficient of vertical density diffusion K _S is equal to 2.34 cm²/sec and its standard deviation is equal to 1.52 cm²/sec. __________ Translated from Morskoi Gidrofizicheskii Zhurnal, No. 4, pp. 31–49, September–October, 2007.     

Pathways of suspended particles transport in the bottom layer of the southern Baltic Sea depending on the wind forcing (Numerical Simulation)

A random-walk model for a nonuniform diffusivity media coupled with an ocean circulation model has been applied to describe the pathways of suspended particles transport in the bottom boundary layer (BBL) of the southern Baltic Sea. The circulation model is based on the Princeton Ocean Model, in which the vertical grid size is logarithmically refined towards the bottom in order to resolve the BBL. Fields of the flow velocity and eddy diffusivities simulated by the POM, along with the settling velocity of the suspended particles, are used as an input for the random-walk model. A number of numerical experiments were performed to study the pathways of suspended particles in the southern Baltic BBL depending on the wind conditions. In particular, the suspended particles introduced into the BBL in the center of the Bornholm Basin at westerly and southerly winds are found to be trapped in the basin provided that the particles’ settling velocity is equal or greater than 2 m/day. The trapping phenomenon is explained by the combined effect of the Ekman transport convergence in the BBL due to the cyclonic gyre and the gravitational settling of the particles.     

Observation of the bottom boundary layer off the Soya Warm Current

A mooring observation of current velocity, temperature and bottom pressure was carried out approximately 30 km off the coast of Monbetsu, between August 7 and September 2, 2005, to investigate the characteristics of bottom boundary layer (BBL) off the Soya Warm Current (SWC). We succeeded in measuring the Ekman veering and bottom Ekman transport in the BBL. On comparing the observed current velocity with that represented by the classical theoretical equation, the observed alongshore current velocity in BBL disagreed with that represented by the classical theoretical equation, but the cross-shore one agreed well. However after applying a linear extrapolation for the alongshore current velocity to estimate the alongshore geostrophic current velocity above the bottom, we could explain the alongshore current velocity by that represented in the classical theoretical equation. Consequently, our observations strongly support one of the proposed formation mechanisms of the cold-water belt observed off the SWC, that is, the convergence of bottom Ekman transport. The volume transport of vertical pumping velocity was estimated to be (0.12–0.25) Sv. In addition, the vertical profile of average temperature in all observation periods shows that slightly warmer water lies beneath the homogenous temperature layer, in the BBL. The result is considered to imply that the down-slope advection due to bottom Ekman transport supplies the SWC water in BBL and the eddy diffusivity of order of 10⁻³ m²s⁻¹ maintains the oceanic structure in the bottom mixed layer.     

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。     

Vertical velocity and transport in the South China Sea

Deep water in the South China Sea is renewed by the cold and dense Luzon Strait overflow. However, from where and how the deep water upwells is poorly understood yet. Based on the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model reanalysis data, vertical velocity is derived to answer these questions. Domain-integrated vertical velocity is of two maxima, one in the shallow water and the other at depth, and separated by a layer of minimum at the bottom of the thermocline. Further analysis shows that this two-segmented vertical transport is attributed to the vertical compensation of subsurface water to the excessive outflow of shallow water and upward push of the dense Luzon Strait overflow, respectively. In the abyssal basin, the vertical transport increases upward from zero at the depth of 3 500–4 000 m and reaches a maximum of 1.5×106 m3/s at about 1 500 m. Deep water upwells mainly from the northeastern and southwestern ends of the abyssal basin and off the continental slopes. To explain the upward velocity arising from slope breaks, a possible mechanism is proposed that an onshore velocity component can be derived from the deep western boundary current above steep slopes under bottom friction.     

The structure and dynamics of the Bottom Boundary Layer in shallow sea areas without tidal influence: an experimental approach

This report describes extensive investigations of the near bottom layer of the Western Baltic (Mecklenburg Bight, Darss Sill and Arkona Basin) which were conducted over a 5 year period to determine the typical structure, vertical thickness, vertical turbulence structure, and spatial and temporal variability of this water mass with regard to the area's particular hydrographic conditions. Series of vertical profiles were obtained using the microstructure profiler MSS86, which is capable of measuring high resolution profiles of temperature, conductivity, current shear, light attenuation and pressure down to the seafloor. The near bottom current structure was simultaneously measured with conventional current metres at fixed depths. A typical vertical density structure of the near bottom layer was found. At all investigation sites the Bottom Boundary Layer was separated from the overlying water mass by a well pronounced thermohaline pycnocline. A homogeneous water layer was situated above the bottom with a mean thickness of 2.2 m and typical variation between 0.5 and 3.5 m. The thickness of both the homogeneous layer and of the near bottom layer vary considerably. It is suggested that horizontal advection is responsible for these fluctuations in thickness. The variation in thickness of the Homogeneous Layer is independent of the local mean current velocity, wind speed and energy dissipation rate. Over periods of about 2 days the thickness of the Homogeneous Layer is determined by the average wind speed. The Bottom Boundary Layer shows its own characteristic dynamic, which is largely decoupled from that of the remaining water body. A logarithmic layer was generally not resolved by the current measurements. From dissipation rate measurements, the wall layer was determined to be 0.9 m thick. There was no significant correlation between the dissipation rate and the local wind speed, or between the dissipation rate and local mean current u₁₀₀. This means that any simple parameterisation relating u₁₀₀ or friction velocity to the locally produced turbulence and consequently to the resuspension of sediment is probably not applicable to shallow sea areas with properties like the Western Baltic. The investigation of sediment concentration in the BBL illustrates the importance of local effects combined with advection. The sediment stratified layer covers only the bottom most 50 cm.     

Field observation and analysis of wave-current-sediment movement in Caofeidian Sea area in the Bohai Bay,China

In order to study the mechanism of flow-sediment movement, it is essential to obtain measured data of water hydrodynamic and sediment concentration process with high spatial and temporal resolution in the bottom boundary layer （BBL）. Field observations were carried out in the northwest Caofeidian sea area in the Bohai Bay. Near 2 m isobath （under the lowest tidal level）, a tripod system was installed with AWAC （Acoustic Wave And Current）, ADCP （Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers）, OBS-3A （Optical Backscatter Point Sensor）, ADV （Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters）, etc. The accurate measurement of the bottom boundary layer during a single tidal period was carried out, together with a long-term sediment concentration measurement under different hydrological conditions. All the measured data were used to analyze the characteristics of wave-current-sediment movement and the BBL. Analysis was performed on flow structure, shear stress, roughness, eddy viscosity and other parameters of the BBL. Two major findings were made. Firstly, from the measured data, the three-layer distribution model of the velocity profiles and eddy viscosities in the wave-current BBL are proposed in the observed sea area; secondly, the sediment movement is related closely to wind-waves in the muddy coast area where sediment is clayey silt： 1） The observed suspended sediment concentration under light wind conditions is very low, with the peak value generally smaller than 0.1 kg/m^3 and the average value being 0.03 kg/m^3; 2） The sediment concentration increases continuously under the gales over 6-7 in Beaufort scale, under a sustained wind action. The measured peak sediment concentration at 0.4 m above the seabed is 0.15-0.32 kg/m^3, and the average sediment concentration during wind-wave action is 0.08-0.18 kg/m^3, which is about 3-6 times the value under light wind conditions. The critical wave height signaling remarkable changes of sediment concentration is 0.5 m. The results show that the suspended load sediment concentration is mainly influenced by wave-induced sediment suspension.     

Transport and bottom boundary layerobservations of the North Atlantic Deep Western Boundary Current at the Blake Outer Ridge

The North Atlantic Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC) was surveyed at the Blake Outer Ridge over 14 days in July and August 1992 to determine its volume transport and to investigate its bottom boundary layer (BBL). This site was chosen because previous investigations showed the DWBC to be strong and bottom-intensified on the ridge’s flanks and to have a thick BBL. The primary instrument used was the Absolute Velocity Profiler, a free-falling velocity and conductivity–temperature–depth device. In two sections across the width of the DWBC, volume transports of 17±1 Sv and 18±1 Sv were measured for all water flowing equatorward below a potential temperature of 6°C (1 Sv=1×10⁶ m³ s^-1). Transport values were derived using both absolute velocities and AVP-referenced geostrophic velocities and were the same within experimental uncertainty. Good agreement was found between our results and historical ones when both were similarly bounded and referenced. Although this was a short-term survey, the mean of a 9-day time series of absolute velocity profiles was the same as the means of year-long current-meter records at three depths in the same location. A turbulent planetary BBL was found everywhere under the current. The thickness of the bottom mixed layer (BML), where concentrations of density, nutrients, and suspended sediments were vertically uniform, was asymmetrical across the current and up to 5 times thicker than the BBL. There was no velocity shear above the BBL within the thicker BMLs, and the across-slope density gradient was very small. The extra-thick BML is perhaps maintained by a combination of processes, including turbulence, downwelling Ekman transport, a weak up-slope return flow above the BBL, and buoyant convection from the BBL into the BML. The frictional bottom stress was mostly balanced by a down-stream change in the current’s external potential energy evidenced by a drop in the velocity core of the current.     

一种三次多项式湍黏性底边界层的流场分布

本文通过假定底边界层湍黏性的三次多项式参数化形式,基于简化的Navier–Stokes方程,并利用超几何方程的性质,推导出了湍流粗糙底边界层的速度解析解。同时,得到了底边界层内其他的动力参数,如底剪应力、Ekman传输、Ekman抽吸及近底部速度分布场,从理论上讨论了均匀混合底边界层特征量分布特征。通过数值结果分析,进一步得出底边界层的总速度、亏损速度及其剪应力受平均流的角频率和地球自转影响比较大;而底边界层的动力结构对于底边界层顶部粗糙度不敏感。该涡黏性模式从理论上丰富了底边界层涡黏性的形式,为底边界层的动力系统研究提供了借鉴和理论参考。     

Effect of hydrodynamic properties of the sea bottom on the tidal dynamics in a rectangular basin

Expressions derived for the friction coefficient in an oscillatory rotating turbulent bottom boundary layer (BBL) over rough, incompletely rough (smoothly rough), and smooth underlying surfaces are incorporated as an individual module into a two-dimensional nonlinear tidal model, and the standard version of the model and its modified analogue are used to discuss the titular subject. It is established that the dynamics of tides in the Taylor basin can change noticeably under the effect of hydrodynamic properties of the sea bottom. Such changes occur mainly in the influence domains of amphidromies. In the remaining parts of the basin, relative changes in the amplitudes and phases of tidal sea-surface level elevations do not exceed ±10% and ±10°, respectively. The largest discrepancies of tidal characteristics take place in the cases of the incompletely rough and smooth sea bottoms; the smallest discrepancies, in the case of the rough sea bottom. Estimates for the changes in tidal characteristics that are caused by the usually neglected effects of rotation and phase difference between the bottom friction and the tidal velocity at the upper BBL boundary are presented as well.     

Bottom Boundary Layer Characteristics in the Hooghly Estuary Under Combined Wave-Current Action

The development of a theoretical model for estimating bottom boundary layer characteristics in the Hooghly estuary, located in the east coast of India, under combined effects of waves and currents is reported. Three numerical models, viz a depth averaged hydrodynamic model, SWAN wave model, and bottom boundary layer model, were integrated. In the bottom boundary layer parameters, maximum bottom stress, effective friction factor, and near-bed velocity both during ebb and flood phases of the tidal forcing are investigated and validated for the Haldia channel. The close match seen from results signifies applicability of this model for entire Hooghly basin.     

珠江河口底边界层憩流动力特征

通过在珠江黄茅海河口进行的25 h定点连续观测,分析了潮流底边界层在憩流时刻的动力特征。结果表明,憩流期非恒定性增强,改变了平均流和湍流结构。主要表现:1)平均流结构出现三种不同类型,分别是对数分布(摩擦力主导)、垂向均匀分布(惯性主导)和过渡状态(摩擦力和惯性力平衡);2)湍流各向异性增强,湍谱惯性子区带宽减小。各湍流特征参数在转流时刻达到最小值,表明惯性作用抑制了湍流的发育。     

Field Observation and Analysis of Wave-Current-Sediment Movement in Caofeidian Sea Area in the Bohai Bay, China

In order to study the mechanism of flow-sediment movement, it is essential to obtain measured data of water hydrodynamic and sediment concentration process with high spatial and temporal resolution in the bottom boundary layer (BBL). Field observations were carried out in the northwest Caofeidian sea area in the Bohai Bay. Near 2 m isobath (under the lowest tidal level), a tripod system was installed with AWAC (Acoustic Wave And Current), ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers), OBS-3A (Optical Backscatter Point Sensor), ADV (Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters), etc. The accurate measurement of the bottom boundary layer during a single tidal period was carried out, together with a long-term sediment concentration measurement under different hydrological conditions. All the measured data were used to analyze the characteristics of wave-current-sediment movement and the BBL. Analysis was performed on flow structure, shear stress, roughness, eddy viscosity and other parameters of the BBL. Two major findings were made. Firstly, from the measured data, the three-layer distribution model of the velocity profiles and eddy viscosities in the wave-current BBL are proposed in the observed sea area; secondly, the sediment movement is related closely to wind-waves in the muddy coast area where sediment is clayey silt: 1) The observed suspended sediment concentration under light wind conditions is very low, with the peak value generally smaller than 0.1 kg/m3 and the average value being 0.03 kg/m3; 2) The sediment concentration increases continuously under the gales over 6-7 in Beaufort scale, under a sustained wind action. The measured peak sediment concentration at 0.4 m above the seabed is 0.15-0.32 kg/m3, and the average sediment concentration during wind-wave action is 0.08-0.18 kg/m3, which is about 3-6 times the value under light wind conditions. The critical wave height signaling remarkable changes of sediment concentration is 0.5 m. The results show that the suspended load sediment concentration is mainly influenced by wave-induced sediment suspension.     

Tidal boundary layer measurements in the presence of waves

Measurements of tidal current and wave velocity made at 0.69 and 1.85 m above a rough seafloor exhibit large current gradients (boundary layer) in the water column. The logarithmic boundary layer flow model was fitted to the measurements, and thus roughness (z₀) and friction velocity (u^*) parameters were derived. The roughness parameter values were generally consistent with the observed upstream physical roughness. The values of both parameters for conditions in the rough turbulence flow regime are generally larger (much larger for ebb) than earlier published values for similar measurements of currents in the absence of significant waves but are comparable to values from recent measurements of currents in the presence of storm waves. The high parameter values here appear to relate more to the magnitude of the current and to the upstream physical bottom roughness than to the magnitude of the seastate. Large boundary layers in the flow at the seabed have a profound effect on the design of offshore structures such as offshore pipelines.     

Observations of turbulence under weakly and highly stratified conditions in the Ariake Sea

Observations of turbulence, stratification, and mean current were made using a microstructure profiler and an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) during four cruises at a central location in the Ariake Sea, under weakly and strongly stratified conditions. Continuous measurements of the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), ε, were made. These revealed that frictional bed turbulence with quarterdiurnal variation in the bottom boundary layer (BBL) was one of the most energetic sources of vertical mixing in the sea. Thickness of the BBL was strongly confined by the stable stratification. We investigate a relationship between the BBL height h and the Ozmidov scale. We present a systematic argument that describes the vertical structure and characteristic scales of velocity and turbulence inside the frictional BBL, where the stratification persisted. Considerable deviation of observed vertical shear from the law of the wall indicated a modification of turbulent scales by the stratification. Shear stress calculated from the velocity data using vertical integration of the equation of motion was found to decrease approximately linearly with height. The TKE production rate P, estimated using the shear stress, was highly correlated with the dissipation rate. The buoyancy contribution to TKE balance in the BBL was quantified in terms of the flux Richardson number R _f as R _f?=?0.12.     

Vertical structure of the M<Subscript>2</Subscript> tidal current in the Yellow Sea

The vertical structure of the M₂ tidal current in the Yellow Sea is analyzed from data acquired using an acoustic Doppler current profiler. The observed vertical profiles of the M₂ tidal current are decomposed into two rotating components of counter-clockwise and clockwise, and restructured using a simple one-point model with a constant vertical eddy viscosity. The analyzed results show that the internal fictional effect dominates the vertical structure of the tidal current in the bottom boundary layer. In the Yellow Sea, the effect of the bottom friction reduces the current speed by about 20–40% and induces the bottom phase advance by about 15–50 minutes. In the shallower coastal regions, the effects of bottom topography are more prominent on the vertical structure of tidal currents. The vertical profile of the tidal current in summer, when the water column is strongly stratified, is disturbed near the pycnocline layer. The stratification significantly influences the vertical shear and distinct seasonal variation of the tidal current.     

Deep-sea macrofaunal assemblages within the Benthic Boundary Layer of the Cap-Ferret Canyon (Bay of Biscay,NE Atlantic)

The Benthic Boundary Layer (BBL) assemblages from the Cap-Ferret Canyon (Bay of Biscay) were quantitatively sampled at two sites located within its main channel near mooring deployments (Mooring Sites MS 1: ca. 2400 m; MS 2: ca. 3000 m) with a suprabenthic sled equipped with four nets fishing at different heights above the bottom. The macrofaunal abundance above the sea-floor was mainly represented by Isopoda (42.2%), Amphipoda (19.0%), Euphausiacea (17.3%), Cumacea (13.5%), Mysidacea (2.8%) and Tanaidacea (2.6%). At both sampling sites, the highest total densities were generally recorded in the immediate vicinity of the sea floor (10–40 cm water layer), and a drastic decrease occurred higher in the BBL community. The BBL assemblages from the two sampling sites were similar in their faunal composition (major taxa), and their mean density estimates were not statistically different (MS 1 : 525.3 ind. 100 m⁻²; MS 2 : 283.3 ind. m⁻²) although the recorded values during each cruise were always lower at the deeper site. The BBL macrofauna abundance showed obvious temporal fluctuations at both sites, probably linked with a seasonal organic input from the euphotic zone (vertical flux) via phytodetritus deposition on the sea bottom.     

Contrasts between estuarine and river systems in near-bed turbulent flows in the Zhujiang (Pearl River) Estuary, China

A bottom-mounted instrumental tripod was deployed in the tidally energetic Zhujiang (Pearl River) Estuary to examine the contrasting properties of the bottom boundary layer (BBL) flows between estuarine and tide-affected river systems. Three aspects of the BBL flows were investigated to understand the mechanism of the turbulence responses to the large-scale ambient forcing: the flow structures (profile, anisotropy, and spectra), shearing strains and stresses, and the balance of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). Single log-law profiles and turbulence anisotropy predominated in the two systems, but the non-log regime and stronger anisotropy occurred more frequently at the slack tide in the estuary. The ADV-based turbulence intensities and shearing strains both exceeded their low-frequency counterparts (frictional velocities and mean shears) derived from the logarithmic law. On the contrary, the ADV-based Reynolds stresses were smaller than the log profile-derived bottom stresses, so the hypothesis of a constant stress layer cannot be well satisfied, especially in the river. The bandwidth of the inertial subrange in the river was of one decade larger than in the estuary. The balance between shear production and viscous dissipation was better achieved in the straight river. This first-order balance was significantly broken in the estuary and in the meandering river, by non-shear production/dissipation due to wave-induced fluctuations or salinity/sediment stratification. All these disparities between two systems in turbulence properties are essentially controlled by the anisotropy induced by the large-scale processes such as secondary currents, density stratification. In conclusion, the acceleration of unsteady flows determines the profile structure of the BBL flow, and turbulence anisotropy results in the invalidation of the phenomenological relations such as the constant stress hypothesis and the first-order TKE balance.     

三沙湾夏季底边界层动力过程及悬沙输运特征

基于2018年8月福建三沙湾湾内外共两个定点站位的船基和座底三脚架观测数据,研究了三沙湾底边界动力过程及悬沙输运特征.结果表明,三沙湾湾内湾外两个站位均表现出涨落潮历时相近但涨落潮流速明显不对称的现象,即湾内涨潮流速大于落潮流速,湾外则相反.湾内水体受淡水输入影响较大,表现出落潮期间显著的温盐层化,而涨潮期间水体混合良...