Mixing and dissipation in the ocean: Processes for the next generation of climate models

The accuracy of new generations of high-resolution ocean and climate prediction models will hinge on developing adequate knowledge of how the energy input to the oceans (specifically from winds and surface heat fluxes) is transferred between different scales of motion. An acute weakness in our present understanding of ocean dynamics is how energy is lost from horizontal eddy motions at lengthscales of 10 to 100km and is transferred to small scales, where turbulent mixing of density occurs. We will investigate proposed new instabilities where eddies impinge on the ocean boundaries. These instabilities dissipate eddy energy and cause vertical mixing. We will also clarify the role of boundary interactions in the global circulation.