Optical effects on ocean mixed layer dynamics
Contributors: Garwood, Roland W.
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from the National Technical Information Service
Published: 1991
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 85
Description: Improvements to the specification of ocean optical characteristics in mixed layer dynamics are explored. The effects of reflection (albedo), refraction and attenuation of solar radiation on mixed layer dynamics are examined. Parameterization schemes are developed to characterize the attenuation of individual spectral components of total solar radiation and the refraction of direct solar radiation. The effect of these parameterization schemes on mixed layer processes is evaluated analytically and numerically. A one-dimensional mixed layer model is used to examine the sensitivity of predicted mixed layer thermal structure to individual parameterizations. The thermal structure differences that result over long and short periods using the different parameterizations show that the accuracy of mixed layer predictions is significantly affected by the method used to describe the penetration of solar radiation into the ocean.
Notes: Thesis advisor, R.W. Garwood.

Thesis (M.S. in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography) Naval Postgraduate School, June 1991.

Bibliography: p. 81-83.