Record Details

The scaling of vertical temperature gradient spectra

ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

Field Value
Title The scaling of vertical temperature gradient spectra
Names Caldwell, Douglas R. (creator)
Dillon, T.M. (creator)
Brubaker, J.M. (creator)
Newberger, P.A. (creator)
Paulson, C.A. (creator)
Date Issued 1980-04-20 (iso8601)
Abstract Tests of a formula derived for the cutoff wave number of vertical temperature gradient spectra, using
data taken in the upper layers of the North Pacific, show encouraging results. To derive this formula, the
cutoff wave number is assumed to be the Batchelor wave number, with kinetic energy dissipation calculated
by combining a form used in the atmosphere for calculating the vertical eddy diffusivity in terms of
the dissipation with the Osborn-Cox formula for calculating eddy diffusivity from the variance of the
temperature gradient spectrum. Kinetic energy dissipation in the water column can be determined in this
way; a vertical profile of dissipation shows values of the order of 10^(-3) cm² s^(-3) at the base of a stormtossed
mixing layer. In the thermocline below, dissipation occurs in patches.
Genre Article
Identifier Caldwell, D. R., Dillon, T. M., Brubaker, J. M., Newberger, P. A., & Paulson, C. A. (1980). The scaling of vertical temperature gradient spectra. Journal of Geophysical Research, 85(C4), 1917-1924.

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