Upper-ocean vertical mixing in the Antarctic Polar Front Zone

Abstract

Abstract The mixing regime of the upper 180 m of a mesoscale eddy in the vicinity of the Antarctic Polar Front at 47 ∘ S and 21 ∘ E was investigated during the R.V. Polarstern cruise ANT XVIII/2 within the scope of the iron fertilization experiment EisenEx. On the basis of hydrographic CTD and ADCP profiles we deduced the vertical diffusivity K z from two different parameterizations. Since these parameterizations bear the character of empirical functions, based on theoretical and idealized assumptions, they were inter alia compared with Cox-number and Thorpe-scale related diffusivities deduced from microstructure measurements, which supplied the first direct insights into turbulence of this ocean region. Values of K z in the range of 10 - 4 – 10 - 3 m 2 s - 1 appear as a rather robust estimate of vertical diffusivity within the seasonal pycnocline. Values in the mixed layer above are more variable in time and reach 10 - 1 m 2 s - 1 during periods of strong winds. The results confirm a close agreement between the microstructure-based eddy diffusivities and eddy diffusivities calculated after the parameterization of Pacanowski and Philander [1981. Journal of Physical Oceanography 11, 1443–1451].