Dynamics of Frontal Intrusions and their Effects on a Mediterranean Salt Lens
1991
Ruddick, Barry
Parameterisation of the structure, amplitude, and mixing rate of finite-amplitude lateral intrusions. These occur at most oceanic fronts, including the Gulf Stream, and drive cross-frontal mixing. The highly structured quasi-horizontal sound speed perturbations may strongly affect acoustic propagation across such fronts. Results: (1) The scale and slope of the intrusions were found to support theoretical models of thermohaline driving, and showed definitively that the intrusions were NOT driven by the McIntyre mechanism (differential diffusion of momentum and mass). (2) (a.) The intrusions had longer vertical wavelength in the lower part of the Meddy than in the upper part. (b.) We found that it was possible to observe the perturbations in density which drove the intrusive motions.
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