资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

Turbulence parameters have been estimated from microstructure velocity and temperature measurements in an anticyclonic Loop Current eddy in the Gulf of Mexico for the very first time. Measurements were performed during a mission in October, 2016, using a G2 Webb Research Slocum ocean glider instrumented with a microstructure sensors suite. Well defined turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate patterns in the eddy and the surface mixed layer were clearly identified from both the velocity and temperature microstructure data. Higher dissipation rates were observed at the flanks and beneath the eddy core (up to 10^‐7 W/kg), while the core interior appeared to be very quiescent (~ 10^‐11 W/kg). Double diffusive thermohaline intrusions were detected on the side of the eddy, while the region below the eddy core was more conducive for salt fingering. Heat and salt fluxes associated with these processes suggest that a life span of such an eddy is ~1.5 years.