Abstract
The mixed layer depth (MLD) in Gulf of Aden is analyzed using vertical high resolution (1m) profiles of both temperature and density. Firstly, we examined threshold and gradient methods for estimating the MLD. Close evaluation with individual profiles reveals the failure of both methods for most of the profiles. Furthermore, the curvature method, a relatively recent approach to define ocean MLDs, is established for open water profiles but for marginal seas, like the Gulf of Aden, it detects shallower depths than the actual MLD. These considerable differences motivated us to introduce a new approach of MLD identification, which is developed based on curvature method and is called segment method. Our segment method produces adequate MLD estimates for more than 95% of the profiles and overcomes major limitations of conventional methods. It is less biased and least scattered compared to other methods with a correlation coefficient > 0.95. The mixed layer in Gulf of Aden displays significant seasonal variability and is deeper in winter. Throughout the year, the western part of gulf experiences deeper mixed layer than the eastern part. Regional eddies dominate Gulf of Aden’s MLD pattern during all seasons.
Highlights
Continuous energy transfer between atmosphere and ocean develops a quasi-uniform upper layer with nearly uniform temperature, salinity, and density
Mixed layer depth based on conventional methods
mixed layer depth (MLD) observed at station II with all threshold and gradient criterions are between 20 to 30 m while curvature and segment methods detect at the same depth
Summary
Continuous energy transfer between atmosphere and ocean develops a quasi-uniform upper layer with nearly uniform temperature, salinity, and density. Conventional methods are used to identify MLD of the region in both winter and summer using temperature and density profiles from REDSOX experiment. MLD values based on threshold, gradient and curvature methods differ from each other at many locations.
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