Turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate and associated fluxes in the western tropical Atlantic estimated from ocean glider observations

Abstract. Ocean gliders enable us to collect the high-resolution microstructure observations necessary calculate dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy, ε, on timescales weeks months: far longer than is normally possible using traditional ship-based platforms. Slocum have previously been used this end; here, we report first detailed estimates ε calculated Batchelor spectrum method collected by a FP07 fast thermistor mounted Seaglider. We use these same following Thorpe scale and find very good agreement between two methods. The yields larger values but average difference, which less an order magnitude, smaller reported elsewhere. spatio-temporal distribution comparable for both Maximum (10−7 W kg−1) are observed in surface mixed layer; approximately 10−9 kg−1 200 500 m depth. These layers separated 100 thick layer low (10−10 kg−1), co-located with high-salinity Subtropical Underwater peak strength stratification. heat salt fluxes associated turbulence. Between m, induces downward properties that, if typical annual average, would small influence content overlying salinity-maximum layer. compare double-diffusive that occur regions susceptible fingers, such as western tropical Atlantic. corresponding fluxes.