A new energy budget for the global circulation of the oceans

We will develop a new global energy inventory for the circulation of the oceans, which plays a major role in regulating Earth's climate system. The mechanical energy input due to surface heat and water fluxes will be calculated using recent satellite and hydrographic data. New theory will be applied to estimate the global rate of turbulent mixing that governs the circulation, and laboratory experiments relating the energy inputs to the rates of turbulent mixing will assist us to identify the key mixing processes in the oceans. Our approach will change the prevailing view of ocean circulation dynamics and contribute directly to the development of improved ocean models for the prediction of oceanic and climate change.