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KmT, detailing layered mixing governed by internal wave breaking

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Abstract

The kilometer-long sub-surface mooring ‘KmT’, densely instrumented with 760 high-resolution temperature ‘T-’sensors, demonstrates details of turbulent mixing in the vicinity of a large seamount. Away from the internal wave breaking zone above the seafloor, turbulence is observed in two cases. It is found in thin layers along isopycnals providing non-smooth dispersal, as well as induced by internal wave breaking following strongly non-linear interaction as in a hydraulic jump more than 500 m above the local seafloor. Turbulence levels for these cases are relatively low and high, respectively, but always one to two orders of magnitude larger than in the ocean interior far from topography. Both cases imply the importance of underwater topography like a seamount for deep-sea turbulence. The seamount functions as a lens focusing internal waves into a turbulence-generator.

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Acknowledgements

I thank captain and crew of R/V Pelagia for their assistance and technicians of NIOZ-NMF for help in preparing and deploying the mooring. NIOZ-temperature sensors have been funded in part by the Netherlands Organization for the Advancement of Science (N.W.O.).

Funding

Aard- en Levenswetenschappen, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB, Den Burg, The Netherlands

    Hans van Haren

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  1. Hans van Haren
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Correspondence to Hans van Haren.

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H.V.H. declares no conflict of interest.

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van Haren, H. KmT, detailing layered mixing governed by internal wave breaking. Environ Fluid Mech 23, 603–620 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10652-023-09921-5

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