Dynamics of Ocean Turbulence above the Western Weddell Sea Continental Shelf, Antarctica

Microstructure profilers will be deployed from the German research icebreaker RV Polarstern to collect direct measurements of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation. The study will examine the influence of tides, topography, and wind forcing on mixing rates and evaluate their effects on vertical fluxes of heat and nutrients. Observations will be used to estimate diapycnal diffusivities across a range of environmental conditions, vertical heat and nutrient fluxes.

Results from this project are anticipated improve model predictions of ocean–ice interactions and contribute to a better understanding of the Antarctic system. This award reflects NSF''s statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation''s intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.