Abstract
Based on the assumption that realistic estimates of coefficients of vertical turbulent exchange must be based on the occurrence and properties of turbulence patches, experimental investigations of microstructure were performed in the Baltic, aimed at determining the inner and outer vertical and horizontal scales and further properties of turbulence patches in the seasonal thermocline. For this purpose, a special modification of a free sinking microstructure probe was used to measure, simultaneously, two high resolution temperature profiles at horizontal distances between 1 mm and 2 m. The results of the investigations led to the development of a structure model of turbulence patches in Baltic pycnoclines. The typical inner and outer scales of the patches were found to be 4–6 and 10–20 cm, respectively, in the vertical as well as in the horizontal direction. Larger patches show greater horizontal extension than vertical thickness. Furthermore, a hypothesis on dynamical processes within the patches was developed. After a short stage of intensive mixing the turbulence patches are changing into a long persisting phase of non-turbulent low internal motion. During this phase demixing in the patch range, driven by buoyancy forces, can occur.
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