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    A laboratory study of localized boundary mixing in a rotating stratified fluid

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    Wells_thesis.pdf (11.30Mb)
    Date
    2003-02
    Author
    Wells, Judith R.  Concept link
    Metadata
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    Citable URI
    https://hdl.handle.net/1912/2762
    DOI
    10.1575/1912/2762
    Keyword
     Oceanic mixing; Turbulence; Rotating masses of fluid; Fluid dynamics 
    Abstract
    Oceanic observations indicate that abyssal mixing is localized in regions of rough topography. How locally mixed fluid interacts with the ambient fluid is an open question. Laboratory experiments explore the interaction of mechanically induced boundary mixing and an interior body of linearly stratified rotating fluid. A single oscillating bar produces a small region of turbulence along the wall at middepth. Mixed fluid quickly reaches a steady state height set by a turbulent-buoyant balance, independent of rotation. Initially, the bar is exposed on three sides. Mixed fluid intrudes directly into the interior rather than forming a boundary current. The circulation patterns suggest a model of unmixed fluid being laterally entrained into the turbulent zone. In accord with the model, observed outflux is constant, independent of stratification and restricted by rotation. Later the bar is laterally confines between two walls, which form a channel opening into the basin. A small percentage of mixed fluid enters a boundary current, which exits the channel. The bulk forms a cyclonic circulation in front of the bar, which blocks the channel and restricts horizontal entrainment. In the confined case, the volume flux of mixed fluid decays with time.
    Description
    Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution February 2003
    Collections
    • Physical Oceanography (PO)
    • WHOI Theses
    Suggested Citation
    Thesis: Wells, Judith R., "A laboratory study of localized boundary mixing in a rotating stratified fluid", 2003-02, DOI:10.1575/1912/2762, https://hdl.handle.net/1912/2762
     

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