ISSN:
1573-868X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Direct observations of thermal microstructure within the main stream of the Kuroshio show that within the region of the most steeply sloping isotherms, from about 180 to 360 m depth near the current axis, considerable microstructure is present, and the laminae tend to be approximately aligned along the sloping isothermal surfaces rather than horizontally. Away from the axis, the slopes of the isotherms are considerably less so that the tendency for alignment along isotherms, if present, is not noticeable. Laminae rarely if ever extend for as much as 6 miles in the cross-current direction. Lateral temperature variations within individual laminae are small; to the extent that they do occur there is no apparent tendency for density to be conserved. Some of the temperature features seem to correspond to small local maxima in the vertical salinity profile. More experimental evidence and better understanding of STD spiking (from causes other than the time-constant mismatch, which is clearly not the cause here) is required before it can be concluded that these local maxima are real. If real, they would provide evidence that local vertical mixing alone cannot produce the thermal microstructure in this region. The main conclusion, however, is that STD salinity measurements are not very reliable at the present time.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02111109
Permalink