Physical Model of Gradient Zone Erosion in Thermohaline Systems

摘要

A model is formulated for gradient zone erosion in thermohaline systems. The model includes effects at gradient zone boundaries of mildly turbulent thermals in adjacent convecting zones. The model predicts microconvection within the gradient zone, with an amplitude that decays exponentially away from the boundaries. The predicted thickness of observable disturbance agrees with observation. Applying the theory to stability of the boundary yields erosion behavior that agrees with an empirical correlation for boundary equilibrium. (ERA citation 11:047428)