Numerical Flow Modeling of Artificial Ocean Upwelling

Artificial Upwelling (AU) of nutrient-rich Deep Ocean Water (DOW) to the ocean's sunlit surface layer has recently been put forward as a means increasing marine CO 2 sequestration and fish production. AU its possible benefits have studied in context climate change mitigation well food security for growing human population. However, extensive research still needs be done into feasibility, effectiveness potential risks, side effects associated with able better predict potential. Fluid dynamic modeling process corresponding inorganic nutrient transport can provide necessary information quantification environmental impacts specific devices represents valuable tool their optimization. Yet, appropriate capture all flow phenomena relevant remains challenging task that only few models are accomplish. In this paper, simulation results obtained newly developed numerical solution method presented. The is based on open-source environment OpenFOAM . It solves unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations additional energy, salinity, nutrients. aims widely applicable oceanic problems including temperature- salinity-induced density stratification passive scalar transport. studies presented paper concentrate direct spread concentration mixed layer. Expected found captured by new method. While it known problem cold DOW upwelled tends sink down again due high density, simulations show settles at lower boundary oceans layer, thus keeping considerable portion nutrients available primary Comparative several design variants, aim maximizing amount retained inside also analyzed.