Models and simulations of tracer dispersal by mid-ocean mesoscale eddies

Abstract

Haidvogel and Keffer (1984) have examined the stirring and mixing of a passive tracer in a turbulent mesoscale eddy field for environmental parameters characteristic of a homogeneous mid-ocean region. This study utilized two numerical models, based respectively on the barotropic vorticity and advective-diffusive equations, to simulate the evolving mid-ocean eddy field and the associated dispersion of an embedded tracer spot. Here, these models are described in detail, and the full suite of tracer release simulations are shown in the form of contour plots.