On a parametric method to reconstruct distributions of mixing water masses

Anouk Debrauwere, Fedor De Ridder, Stephanie Jacquet, Frank Dehairs, Rik Pintelon, Joannes Schoukens, Willy Baeyens

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paper

Abstract

Mixing distributions of water masses in the ocean can be reconstructed by measuring conservative tracers on a grid and optimizing the mixing coefficients of the mixing water masses such that the observed patterns are well approximated. This is the fundamental idea of Optimum Multiparameter (OMP) analysis. Here a parametric variant of the OMP model is presented (called POMP). It is based on the same basic assumptions but by parameterizing the unknown mixing fraction fields, the total number of unknowns to be estimated is greatly reduced. This results in a more robust and hence more interpretable model outcome. Considerable effort was also directed to uncertainty estimation, because without a reliable uncertainty estimate no quantitative interpretation is possible. A final attempt to improve the model concerns the characterisation of the source waters. This would be a step forward in OMP-like analysis because it now represents the most subjective step in the procedure. The possibilities offered by this parametric model are explored by applying it to several datasets from the Southern Ocean. Direct application of the method delivers the spacial contribution of the mixing water masses, which can be seen as a snap shot of the circulation process. Therefore it represents a tool in a better understanding of the mixing, circulation and transformation of water masses. It is a data-based approach, so results are location and time dependent. Using Southern Ocean databases, mixing distributions of the main source water masses were reconstructed. Apart from this more physical application, the method also provides the possibility to identify variables whose distribution is NOT only the result of mixing. This exercise was executed for the dissolved Barium tracer to reveal and confirm its potential as a biogeochemical tracer.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication14th National Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (AMOS) Conference (5-8 feb 2007), Adelaide, Australia
Publication statusPublished - 5 Feb 2007
EventFinds and Results from the Swedish Cyprus Expedition: A Gender Perspective at the Medelhavsmuseet - Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: 21 Sep 200925 Sep 2009

Conference

ConferenceFinds and Results from the Swedish Cyprus Expedition: A Gender Perspective at the Medelhavsmuseet
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm
Period21/09/0925/09/09

Keywords

  • Oceanographical research

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