Measuring Waves and Turbulence in the Ocean: Why and How
Matthew Alford, UC San Diego
Physics Colloquium 2023-03-23
Ocean internal gravity waves, which can be as large as hundreds of meters high, give rise to turbulence when they break. The resultant mixing is not only a crucial aspect of and energy source for the ocean circulation, but is also important for societally relevant activities such as deep sea mining and carbon sequestration. In this talk I’ll present recent theoretical developments that elevate the bar for our understanding of the structure, fluid dynamics and causes of ocean turbulence, as well as some new and novel measurements of near-bottom turbulence from shipboard profilers, moorings and an intentional dye release.
