Description
Book SynopsisThe stratified ocean mixes episodically in small patches where energy is dissipated and density smoothed over scales of centimeters. The net effect of these countless events effects the shape of the ocean''s thermocline, how heat is transported from the sea surface to the interior, and how dense bottom water is lifted into the global overturning circulation. This book explores the primary factors affecting mixing, beginning with the thermodynamics of seawater, how they vary in the ocean and how they depend on the physical properties of seawater. Turbulence and double diffusion are then discussed, which determines how mixing evolves and the different impacts it has on velocity, temperature, and salinity. It reviews insights from both laboratory studies and numerical modelling, emphasising the assumptions and limitations of these methods. This is an excellent reference for researchers and graduate students working to advance our understanding of mixing, including oceanographers, atmosphe
Trade Review'The book is recommended to graduate students majoring in physical oceanography and related ocean science fields, and will also find readers among researchers with related interests.' M. Alam, CHOICE
Table of Contents1. Mixing and its role in the ocean; 2. Thermodynamics and seawater properties; 3. Turbulence; 4. Double diffusion; 5. Sampling mixing and its environment; 6. Internal waves and the vortical mode; 7. Interactions and dissipation of internal waves and the vortical mode; 8. Mixing in the stratified interior; Appendix.
