Collaborative Research: Observing and Characterizing Submesoscale Dynamics in the Arctic ocean

初步分析表明，北冰洋混合层显示出一个复杂的亚中尺度结构，具有显著的水平密度梯度（锋）和直径几公里或更小的小涡旋-这些特征无法通过北冰洋的大尺度数值模式来解决。提供资金，以探讨次中尺度过程在调节北极大气、海冰、海洋表面混合层和底层海洋之间具有重要气候意义的相互作用方面的作用;将解决一系列基本科学问题：北冰洋混合层次中尺度水平密度变化的主要特征是什么？混合层中的次中尺度动力学与混合层深度和层结有什么关系？混合层中水平密度变化的机制是什么？什么样的垂直运动与次中尺度过程有关，它们如何影响混合层的交换？PI打算通过有针对性的现场实验并结合近期海洋分析来研究表层海洋动力学和热力学的这些方面。（温度、盐度和速度）和海冰测量，以及定向动力过程研究。为了准确预测海洋的动力学和混合环境，必须将其影响参数化。 为了适当地对这些过程进行参数化，首先必须了解它们与海洋的大尺度结构和动力学之间的关系。 这项工作将提供基本知识，从而允许未来对模型进行改进。

Preliminary analysis reveals that the Arctic Ocean mixed layer displays a complicated submesoscale structure with significant horizontal density gradients (fronts) and small eddies a few kilometers, or less, in diameter - features that are not resolvedby large-scale numerical models of the Arctic Ocean. Funds are provided to explore the role of submesoscale processes in regulating the climatically-important interactions among the Arctic atmosphere, sea-ice, ocean surface mixed layer and the underlying deeper ocean; a set of essential scientific questions will be addressed: What are the dominant characteristics of submesoscale horizontal density variability in the Arctic Ocean mixed layer? How do submesoscale dynamics in the mixed layer relate to mixed-layer depth and stratification? What mechanisms are responsible for the horizontal density variability in the mixed layer? What vertical motions are associated with submesoscale processes and how do they impact exchanges across the mixed layer? The PIs intend to investigate these aspects of the surface ocean dynamics and thermodynamics by a targeted field experiment accompanied by analysis of recent ocean (temperature, salinity and velocity) and sea-ice measurements, and directed dynamic process studies.Because submesoscale processes occur on spatial scales that are not explicitly resolved by existing models of the Arctic Ocean, their effects must be parameterized in order to accurately predict the dynamics and mixing environment of the ocean. In order to appropriately parameterize these processes, it is first necessary to understand how they are related to the large scale structure and dynamics of the ocean. This work will provide that basic knowledge, thus allowing future improvements to the models.