Articles | Volume 13, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-13-503-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-13-503-2017
Research article
 | 
26 Jun 2017
Research article |  | 26 Jun 2017

Spatial distribution of turbulent mixing in the upper ocean of the South China Sea

Xiao-Dong Shang, Chang-Rong Liang, and Gui-Ying Chen

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Ocean Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2020-26,https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2020-26, 2020
Revised manuscript not accepted
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Cited articles

Brainerd, K. E. and Gregg, M. C.: Diurnal Restratification and Turbulence in the Oceanic Surface Mixed-Layer: 1. Observations, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 98, 22645–22656, https://doi.org/10.1029/93jc02297, 1993.
Burchard, H. and Rippeth, T. P.: Generation of Bulk Shear Spikes in Shallow Stratified Tidal Seas, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 39, 969–985, 2009.
Carter, G. S. and Gregg, M. C.: Intense, variable mixing near the head of Monterey Submarine Canyon, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 32, 3145–3165, 2002.
Carter, G. S., Gregg, M. C., and Merrifield, M. A.: Flow and mixing around a small seamount on Kaena Ridge, Hawaii, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 36, 1036–1052, https://doi.org/10.1175/Jpo2924.1, 2006.
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Short summary
We conduct direct microstructure measurements that cover the SCS to explore the features of the turbulent mixing. Our results indicate that strong turbulent mixing was observed in the region to the west of the Luzon Strait where the diapycnal diffusivity is almost an order of magnitude higher than the values of the central and southern SCS. The energetic internal waves and internal tides generated near the Luzon Strait are expected to make a dominant contribution to creating this mixing patten.