scholarly journals The Influence of an Eddy in the Success Rates and Distributions of Passively Advected or Actively Swimming Biological Organisms Crossing the Continental Slope

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 1839-1852
Author(s):  
Irina I. Rypina ◽  
Larry J. Pratt ◽  
Samuel Entner ◽  
Amanda Anderson ◽  
Deepak Cherian
Keyword(s):  
Continental Slope ◽  
Deep Ocean ◽  
Single Pulse ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Shelf Break ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Transport Pathways ◽  
Finite Time Lyapunov Exponents ◽  
Trailing Vortices ◽  
Biological Organisms

AbstractThe Lagrangian characteristics of the surface flow field arising when an idealized, anticyclonic, mesoscale, isolated deep-ocean eddy collides with continental slope and shelf topography are explored. In addition to fluid parcel trajectories, we consider the trajectories of biological organisms that are able to navigate and swim, and for which shallow water is a destination. Of particular interest is the movement of organisms initially located in the offshore eddy, the manner in which the eddy influences the ability of the organisms to reach the shelf break, and the spatial and temporal distributions of organisms that do so. For nonswimmers or very slow swimmers, the organisms arrive at the shelf break in distinct pulses, with different pulses occurring at different locations along the shelf break. This phenomenon is closely related to the episodic formation of trailing vortices that are formed after the eddy collides with the continental slope, turns, and travels parallel to the coast. Analysis based on finite-time Lyapunov exponents reveals initial locations of all successful trajectories reaching the shoreline, and provides maps of the transport pathways showing that much of the cross-shelf-break transport occurs in the lee of the eddy as it moves parallel to the shore. The same analysis shows that the onshore transport is interrupted after a trailing vortex detaches. As the swimming speeds are increased, the organisms are influenced less by the eddy and tend to show up en mass and in a single pulse.

scholarly journals Stability of a buoyancy-driven coastal current at the shelf break

2002 ◽  
Vol 452 ◽  
pp. 97-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. CENEDESE ◽  
P. F. LINDEN
Keyword(s):  
Continental Shelf ◽  
Continental Slope ◽  
Unstable Mode ◽  
Shelf Break ◽  
Coastal Current ◽  
Surface Currents ◽  
Flat Bottom ◽  
Vertical Boundary ◽  
Axisymmetric Disturbances ◽  
A Current

Buoyancy-driven surface currents were generated in the laboratory by releasing buoyant fluid from a source adjacent to a vertical boundary in a rotating container. Different bottom topographies that simulate both a continental slope and a continental ridge were introduced in the container. The topography modified the flow in comparison with the at bottom case where the current grew in width and depth until it became unstable once to non-axisymmetric disturbances. However, when topography was introduced a second instability of the buoyancy-driven current was observed. The most important parameter describing the flow is the ratio of continental shelf width W to the width L* of the current at the onset of the instability. The values of L* for the first instability, and L*−W for the second instability were not influenced by the topography and were 2–6 times the Rossby radius. Thus, the parameter describing the flow can be expressed as the ratio of the width of the continental shelf to the Rossby radius. When this ratio is larger than 2–6 the second instability was observed on the current front. A continental ridge allowed the disturbance to grow to larger amplitude with formation of eddies and fronts, while a gentle continental slope reduced the growth rate and amplitude of the most unstable mode, when compared to the continental ridge topography. When present, eddies did not separate from the main current, and remained near the shelf break. On the other hand, for the largest values of the Rossby radius the first instability was suppressed and the flow was observed to remain stable. A small but significant variation was found in the wavelength of the first instability, which was smaller for a current over topography than over a flat bottom.

Sources and transport of glacial meltwater in the Bellingshausen Sea, Antarctica

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Sheehan ◽  
Karen Heywood ◽  
Andrew Thompson ◽  
Mar Flexas
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Circulation ◽  
World Ocean ◽  
Cyclonic Circulation ◽  
Shelf Break ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Ice Shelf ◽  
Transport Pathways ◽  
Ice Shelves ◽  
Bellingshausen Sea ◽  
The Impact

<p>Quantifying meltwater content and describing transport pathways is important for understanding the impact of a warming, melting Antarctica on ocean circulation. Meltwater fluxes can affect density-driven, on-shelf flows around the continent, and the formation of the dense water masses that ventilate abyssal regions of the world ocean. We present observations collected from two ocean gliders that were deployed in the Bellingshausen Sea for a period of 10 weeks between January and March of 2020.<span>  </span>Using multiple high-resolution sections, we quantify both the distribution of meltwater concentrations and lateral meltwater fluxes within the Belgica Trough in the Bellingshausen Sea. We observe a cyclonic circulation in the trough, in agreement with previous studies. A meltwater flux of 0.46 mSv is observed flowing northwards in the<span>  </span>western limb of the cyclonic circulation. A newly identified meltwater re-circulation (0.88 mSv) is observed flowing back towards the ice front (i.e. southwards) with the eastern limb of the cyclonic circulation. In addition, 1.16 mSv of meltwater is observed flowing northeastward, parallel to the shelf break, with the northern limb of the cyclonic circulation. Peak meltwater is concentrated into two layers associated with different density surfaces: one approximately 150 m deep (27.4 kg m<sup>-3</sup>) and one approximately 200 m deep (27.6 kg m<sup>-3</sup>}). The deeper of these layers is characterised by an elevated optical backscatter, which indicates a more turbid water mass. The shallower layer is less turbid, and is more prominent closer to the shelf break and in the eastern part of the Belgica Trough. We hypothesise that the deeper, turbid meltwater layer originates locally from the Venables Ice Shelf, whereas the shallower, less turbid meltwater layer, comprises meltwater from ice shelves in the eastern Bellingshausen Sea. The broad distribution of meltwater from multiple sources suggests the potential for remote interactions and feedbacks between the various ice shelves that abut the Bellingshausen Sea.</p>

Direct Measurements of Ocean Currents over the Continental Slope off Sydney

1979 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 833 ◽  
Author(s):  
BV Hamon
Keyword(s):  
Continental Slope ◽  
Deep Ocean ◽  
Surface Current ◽  
Ocean Currents ◽  
North East ◽  
Direct Measurements ◽  
Deep Ocean Currents ◽  
Neutrally Buoyant ◽  
Tracking Period

The results of measurements of deep ocean currents over the continental slope off Sydney in May 1979 are presented and discussed. The measurements were made using neutrally buoyant floats. Four floats were used, at mean depths of 766, 1251, 1519 and 1886 m. All four floats moved towards north-north-east, approximately parallel to the depth contours, with mean speeds, over the 34-day tracking period, in the range 5-9 cm s-1. The surface current, estimated from ship's set, was towards north-east, at 25 cm s-1.

Impacts of meso and submesoscale dynamics on the horizontal dispersion of sinking particles from the surface to the deep ocean

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Wang ◽  
Jonathan Gula ◽  
Jeremy Collin ◽  
Laurent Memery
Keyword(s):  
General Structure ◽  
Finite Size ◽  
Deep Ocean ◽  
Sediment Traps ◽  
Horizontal Distribution ◽  
Particle Dispersion ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Transport Pathways ◽  
Horizontal Dispersion ◽  
Sinking Particles

<p>Energetic eddy fields generated by meso and submesoscale dynamics induce tridimensional particle transport pathways, which complicate the interpretation of observed Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) fluxes using sediment traps. It is therefore of importance to understand how horizontal dispersion of particles is structured by these dynamics from surface to depth. In this modelling study, we use a Lagrangian method to backtrack sinking particles collected at various depths ranging from 500 m to 4700 m at the PAP (Porcupine Abyssal Plain) site. Particle trajectories are computed using high-resolution simulations of the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS). Our results show that the horizontal distribution of particles with sinking velocities below 100 m d<sup>-1</sup> presents a large small-scale heterogeneity. Mesoscale eddies act to define the general structure of particle patches while submesoscale features shape particle distributions through convergence/divergence processes. Distribution patterns of particles tracked from different depths suggest regime shifts of particle dispersion between subsurface layers. To identify and quantify these regimes, we perform 2d experiments at specific depths from 100 m to 4000 m and relate the Lagrangian statistics to the characteristics of the different dynamical regimes identified using vertical profiles of eddy energy and Finite Size Lyapunov Exponents (FSLE) approach.                                                                                                                                                               </p>

scholarly journals Ocean processes at the Antarctic continental slope

2014 ◽  
Vol 372 (2019) ◽  
pp. 20130047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen J. Heywood ◽  
Sunke Schmidtko ◽  
Céline Heuzé ◽  
Jan Kaiser ◽  
Timothy D. Jickells ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Ocean ◽  
Continental Shelf ◽  
Continental Slope ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Water Mass ◽  
Ocean Model ◽  
Shelf Break ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Exchange Processes ◽  
The Antarctic

The Antarctic continental shelves and slopes occupy relatively small areas, but, nevertheless, are important for global climate, biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem functioning. Processes of water mass transformation through sea ice formation/melting and ocean–atmosphere interaction are key to the formation of deep and bottom waters as well as determining the heat flux beneath ice shelves. Climate models, however, struggle to capture these physical processes and are unable to reproduce water mass properties of the region. Dynamics at the continental slope are key for correctly modelling climate, yet their small spatial scale presents challenges both for ocean modelling and for observational studies. Cross-slope exchange processes are also vital for the flux of nutrients such as iron from the continental shelf into the mixed layer of the Southern Ocean. An iron-cycling model embedded in an eddy-permitting ocean model reveals the importance of sedimentary iron in fertilizing parts of the Southern Ocean. Ocean gliders play a key role in improving our ability to observe and understand these small-scale processes at the continental shelf break. The Gliders: Excellent New Tools for Observing the Ocean (GENTOO) project deployed three Seagliders for up to two months in early 2012 to sample the water to the east of the Antarctic Peninsula in unprecedented temporal and spatial detail. The glider data resolve small-scale exchange processes across the shelf-break front (the Antarctic Slope Front) and the front's biogeochemical signature. GENTOO demonstrated the capability of ocean gliders to play a key role in a future multi-disciplinary Southern Ocean observing system.

scholarly journals Halocline water modification and along-slope advection at the Laptev Sea continental margin

Ocean Science ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Bauch ◽  
S. Torres-Valdes ◽  
I. Polyakov ◽  
A. Novikhin ◽  
I. Dmitrenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Continental Slope ◽  
Shelf Break ◽  
Laptev Sea ◽  
Frontal System ◽  
Ice Melt ◽  
Sea Bottom ◽  
Bottom Waters ◽  
The Laptev Sea

Abstract. A general pattern in water mass distribution and potential shelf–basin exchange is revealed at the Laptev Sea continental slope based on hydrochemical and stable oxygen isotope data from the summers 2005–2009. Despite considerable interannual variations, a frontal system can be inferred between shelf, continental slope and central Eurasian Basin waters in the upper 100 m of the water column along the continental slope. Net sea-ice melt is consistently found at the continental slope. However, the sea-ice meltwater signal is independent from the local retreat of the ice cover and appears to be advected from upwind locations. In addition to the along-slope frontal system at the continental shelf break, a strong gradient is identified on the Laptev Sea shelf between 122° E and 126° E with an eastward increase of riverine and sea-ice related brine water contents. These waters cross the shelf break at ~ 140° E and feed the low-salinity halocline water (LSHW, salinity S < 33) in the upper 50 m of the water column. High silicate concentrations in Laptev Sea bottom waters may lead to speculation about a link to the local silicate maximum found within the salinity range of ~ 33 to 34.5, typical for the Lower Halocline Water (LHW) at the continental slope. However brine signatures and nutrient ratios from the central Laptev Sea differ from those observed at the continental slope. Thus a significant contribution of Laptev Sea bottom waters to the LHW at the continental slope can be excluded. The silicate maximum within the LHW at the continental slope may be formed locally or at the outer Laptev Sea shelf. Similar to the advection of the sea-ice melt signal along the Laptev Sea continental slope, the nutrient signal at 50–70 m water depth within the LHW might also be fed by advection parallel to the slope. Thus, our analyses suggest that advective processes from upstream locations play a significant role in the halocline formation in the northern Laptev Sea.

scholarly journals Acceleration and Overturning of the Antarctic Slope Current by Winds, Eddies, and Tides

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 2043-2074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew L. Stewart ◽  
Andreas Klocker ◽  
Dimitris Menemenlis
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Continental Shelf ◽  
Continental Slope ◽  
Mesoscale Eddy ◽  
Shelf Break ◽  
Ekman Transport ◽  
Global Ocean ◽  
Antarctic Slope Current ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Continental Shelf Break

AbstractAll exchanges between the open ocean and the Antarctic continental shelf must cross the Antarctic Slope Current (ASC). Previous studies indicate that these exchanges are strongly influenced by mesoscale and tidal variability, yet the mechanisms responsible for setting the ASC’s transport and structure have received relatively little attention. In this study the roles of winds, eddies, and tides in accelerating the ASC are investigated using a global ocean–sea ice simulation with very high resolution (1/48° grid spacing). It is found that the circulation along the continental slope is accelerated both by surface stresses, ultimately sourced from the easterly winds, and by mesoscale eddy vorticity fluxes. At the continental shelf break, the ASC exhibits a narrow (~30–50 km), swift (>0.2 m s−1) jet, consistent with in situ observations. In this jet the surface stress is substantially reduced, and may even vanish or be directed eastward, because the ocean surface speed matches or exceeds that of the sea ice. The shelfbreak jet is shown to be accelerated by tidal momentum advection, consistent with the phenomenon of tidal rectification. Consequently, the shoreward Ekman transport vanishes and thus the mean overturning circulation that steepens the Antarctic Slope Front (ASF) is primarily due to tidal acceleration. These findings imply that the circulation and mean overturning of the ASC are not only determined by near-Antarctic winds, but also depend crucially on sea ice cover, regionally-dependent mesoscale eddy activity over the continental slope, and the amplitude of tidal flows across the continental shelf break.

scholarly journals Transformation of an Agulhas eddy near the continental slope

Ocean Science ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Baker-Yeboah ◽  
G. R. Flierl ◽  
G. G. Sutyrin ◽  
Y. Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Dipole Moment ◽  
Continental Slope ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Mass Exchange ◽  
Water Mass ◽  
Deep Ocean ◽  
Anticyclonic Eddy ◽  
Western Coast ◽  
Vortical Structures ◽  
Benguela Upwelling

Abstract. The transformation of Agulhas eddies near the continental slope of southern Africa and their subsequent self-propagation are analyzed in both observational data and numerical simulations. Self-propagation results from a net dipole moment of a generalized heton structure consisting of a surface-intensified anticyclonic eddy and deep cyclonic pattern. Such Agulhas vortical structures can form near the retroflection region and further north along the western coast of southern Africa. We analyze nonlinear topographic wave generation, vortex deformations, and filament production as an important part in water mass exchange. Self-propagating structures provide a conduit for exchange between the deep ocean and shelf regions in the Benguela upwelling system.

Nutrient enrichment of Jervis Bay, Australia, during the massive 1992 coccolithophorid bloom

1997 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark T. Gibbs ◽  
Patrick Marchesiello ◽  
Jason H. Middleton
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Continental Slope ◽  
Nutrient Enrichment ◽  
Deep Ocean ◽  
East Australian Current ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Cold Core ◽  
South Eastern Australia

A numerical simulation of the East Australian Current (EAC) has been used to investigate the nutrification of shelf waters at Jervis Bay, south-eastern Australia, prior to the massive coccolithophorid bloom that was first observed on 16 December 1992. The simulation suggests that a small cold-core eddy developed between the continental slope at Jervis Bay and the EAC jet further offshore during 7 and 14 December 1992. This unstable cold-core eddy is likely to have uplifted cold, nutrient-rich water onto the Jervis Bay shelf, and this upwelling, in combination with upwelling-favourable winds, probably transported nutrients from the deep ocean to the entrance of the bay.

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