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Global energy conversion rate from geostrophic flows into internal lee waves in the deep ocean
Citation
Nikurashin, M and Ferrari, R, Global energy conversion rate from geostrophic flows into internal lee waves in the deep ocean, Geophysical Research Letters, 38 Article L08610. ISSN 0094-8276 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
Copyright 2011 American Geophysical Union
Abstract
A global estimate of the energy conversion rate from
geostrophic flows into internal lee waves in the ocean is
presented. The estimate is based on a linear theory applied
to bottom topography at O(1每10) km scales obtained from
single beam echo soundings, to bottom stratification
estimated from climatology, and to bottom velocity
obtained from a global ocean model. The total energy flux
into internal lee waves is estimated to be 0.2 TW which is
20% of the global wind power input into the ocean. The
geographical distribution of the energy flux is largest in the
Southern Ocean which accounts for half of the total energy
flux. The results suggest that the generation of internal lee
waves at rough topography is a significant energy sink for
the geostrophic flows as well as an important energy
source for internal waves and the associated turbulent
mixing in the deep ocean.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | geostrophic flows, eddies, lee waves, internal waves, energy conversion, rough topography |
Research Division: | Earth Sciences |
Research Group: | Oceanography |
Research Field: | Physical oceanography |
Objective Division: | Environmental Policy, Climate Change and Natural Hazards |
Objective Group: | Understanding climate change |
Objective Field: | Climate change models |
UTAS Author: | Nikurashin, M (Dr Maxim Nikurashin) |
ID Code: | 79721 |
Year Published: | 2011 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 127 |
Deposited By: | IMAS Research and Education Centre |
Deposited On: | 2012-10-01 |
Last Modified: | 2017-11-01 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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