Physical Oceanography

By investigating the physics behind ocean mixing, this proposed research program will address a key uncertainty in the field of numerical climate modeling and prediction. The spatial and temporal distribution of ocean mixing is mostly determined by the dissipation of internal waves, yet their energy pathways from generation through to dissipation are not fully understood. This research will study internal wave environments at several dynamically distinct locations in the Pacific, Atlantic and Southern Oceans to determine these energy pathways, with results that can be generalized to the global ocean and used to improve our ability to predict future climate states