Energy Flux into Near-Inertial Internal Waves Below the Surface Boundary Layer in the Global Ocean

Abstract

AbstractNear-inertial internal waves (NIWs) are thought to play an important role in powering the turbulent diapycnal mixing in the ocean interior. Nevertheless, the energy flux into NIWs below the surface boundary layer (SBL) in the global ocean is still poorly understood. This key problem is addressed in this study based on a Community Earth System Model (CESM) simulation with a horizontal resolution of ~0.1° for its oceanic component and ~0.25° for its atmospheric component.The CESM shows good skill in simulating NIWs globally, reproducing the observed magnitude and spatial pattern of surface NIW currents and wind power on NIWs (WI). The simulated downward flux of NIW energy (FSBL) at the SBL base is positive everywhere. Its quasi-global integral (excluding the region within 5°S-5°N) is 0.13 TW, about one-third the value of WI. The ratio of local FSBL to WI varies substantially over the space. It exhibits an increasing trend with the enstrophy of balanced motions (BMs) and a decreasing trend with WI.The kinetic energy transfer from model-resolved BMs to NIWs is positive from the SBL base to 600 m but becomes negative further downwards. The quasi-global integral of energy transfer below the SBL base is two orders of magnitude smaller than that of FSBL, suggesting the resolved BMs in the CESM simulations making negligible contributions to power NIWs in the ocean interior.