142 / 2023-08-19 21:08:38

Influences of physical processes induced by seamounts on vertical mixing

Seamount,Vertical Mixing,Physical Dynamics

Seamounts are widely distributed in oceans, some in isolation and some in chains. Seamounts substantially influence the ocean’s flow field structures, enhancing mixing and playing an important role in material and energy exchange between surface and deep layers. In this study, to comprehensively understand the extent of seamounts' impact on oceanic mixing, we introduced the concept of vertical penetration rate (VPR) to quantify the vertical exchange within the oceanic environment, especially in seamount areas. High-resolution model data (LLC4320) were utilized to investigate the vertical mixing characteristics of the Emperor Seamount Chain region. Our results show that the seamount-induced VPR can exceed twice the actual seamount coverage. Five distinct physical processes, including Taylor caps, fronts, eddies, topographic Rossby waves, and internal waves, were investigated and these processes can significantly amplify the VPR within seamount-influenced zones. These findings aid in evaluating the implications of seamount-induced vertical mixing and provide valuable insights into its driving mechanisms for future studies.