Vertical exchange in the ocean

Abstract

We analyze the expressions for vertical turbulent flows and the coefficients of turbulent exchange in the ocean and their dependences on the stratification of density. It is shown that, in the case of high density gradients, turbulent mixing is localized in separate bounded relatively small zones (turbulized spots or layers). Formulas for typical vertical sizes of turbulent spots and local coefficients of vertical turbulent exchange depending on the Väisälä-Brunt frequency are presented.We consider a model of vertical turbulent exchange for the case of spot-like intermittent turbulence (a similar model was independently developed at the Marine Hydrophysical Institute of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences with certain differences in the statement the problem and methodology).We emphasize the priority of A. G. Kolesnikov in the investigations of vertical turbulent exchange in the ocean by the direct method, in the development and construction of quick-response measuring devices with detectors of pulsations of the components of velocity and temperature, and in the first determination of the characteristics of turbulence in lakes, seas, and oceans performed by using this equipment.