Thorpe scale analysis using CTD observations on the continental slope of the Southwestern East Sea

Abstract

Thorpe scale analysis was performed using two sets of 25-hour-long hourly CTD data. Raw density profiles collected on the continental slope of the southwestern East Sea were post-processed to reduce instrument noises and measurement errors. Density inversions were detected by applying the overturn ratio test proposed by Gargett and Garner (2008). The value of Kz below the main thermocline estimated with the Osborn parameterization was 5.3×10-4 (1.1×10-4) m2s-1 and that with the Shih parameterization was 5.9×10-5 (1.1×10-5) m2s-1 during the spring (neap) tidal period. This result suggests that internal tides can enhance vertical mixing in the observation region. © 2015 Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute. All rights reserved.