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Do waves limit turbulent diffusion in the ocean?

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Abstract

Recent theoretical and observational studies of fluctuating motions in the stable interior of the ocean suggest that the rate of turbulent diffusion of scalars may be sensitive to the influence of waves on the energy balance of eddies and fronts. A new flow diagram is used to describe the turbulent cascades of energy and enstrophy in the ocean.

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Woods, J. Do waves limit turbulent diffusion in the ocean?. Nature 288, 219–224 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/288219a0

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