Woods, J.D. (1985) The physics of thermocline ventilation. In: Coupled ocean-atmosphere models. . Elsevier Oceanography Series, 40 . Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp. 543-590. ISBN 0-444-42486-5 DOI 10.1016/S0422-9894(08)70730-X.

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Abstract

The potential vorticity profile in the seasonal pycnocline can be predicted from the surface buoyancy and momentum fluxes by means of the Lagrangian correlation of seasonally varying mixed-layer depth and density. Water flows geostrophically from the seasonal pycnocline into the permanent pycnocline, through the sloping surface of depth D defined by the annual maximum depth of the mixed layer. Potential vorticity flows into the permanent pycnocline where U(D)· ∇D ≤W(D) and vice versa. A theory is given for the regional variation of D, and methods of determining D from hydrographic data are reviewed. This physical understanding of potential vorticity sources and sinks makes it possible to reformulate ventilated thermocline models in terms of flux rather than density boundary conditions, and guides the design of coupled models of ocean—atmosphere circulation. It leads to formulae for water-mass formation and the nutrient balance in the seasonal boundary layer.

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