The Impact of Observed Variations in the Shear-to-Strain Ratio of Internal Waves on Inferred Turbulent Diffusivities

Abstract

AbstractThe most comprehensive studies of the spatial and temporal scales of diffusivity rely on internal wave parameterizations that require knowledge of finescale shear and strain. Studies lacking either shear or strain measurements have to assume a constant ratio between shear and strain (Rω). Data from 14 moorings collected during five field programs are examined to determine the spatial and temporal patterns in Rω and the influence of these patterns on parameterized diffusivity. Time-mean Rω ranges from 1 to 10, with changes of order 10 observed over a broad range of scales. Temporal variability in Rω is observed at daily, weekly, and monthly scales. Observed changes in Rω could produce a 2–3 times change in parameterized diffusivity. Vertical profiles of Rω, Eshear, and Estrain (shear or strain variance relative to Garret–Munk) reveal that both local topographic properties and wind variability impact the internal wave field. Time series of Rω from each mooring have strong correlations to either shear or strain, often only at a specific range of vertical wavenumbers. Sites fall into two categories, in which Rω variability is dominated by either shear or strain. Linear fits to the dominant property (i.e., shear or strain) can be used to estimate a time series of Rω that has an RMS error that is 30% less than the RMS error from assuming Rω = 3. Shear and strain level vary in concert, as predicted by the Garret–Munk model, at high Eshear values. However, at Eshear < 5, strain variations are 3 times weaker than shear.