Turbulence and Mixing in Holmboe Waves

Oregon State University, Corvallis OR

Investigators

Abstract

0097124 -- Smyth/OSU This project is a preliminary numerical investigation of whether Holmboe waves can generate appreciable mixing in idealized stratified flow configurations similar to those that might be expected in some oceanic regimes such as exchange flows. This research will examine whether a significant mixing efficiency can be achieved. A spectral model of a continuously stratified flow containing a sharp density gradient and a more gentle shear gradient will be used to make direct numerical simulations of the growth and nonlinear development of Holmboe waves. If numerical results provide evidence that the Holmboe instability leads to effective mixing, this will provide an impetus for a more thorough investigation of the life-cycle of Holmboe instabilities and the associated mixing.