Tidal forcing, energetics, and mixing near the Yermak Plateau

摘要: Abstract. The Yermak Plateau (YP), located northwest of Svalbard in Fram Strait, is the final passage for inflow warm Atlantic Water into Arctic Ocean. region characterized by largest barotropic tidal velocities Internal response to flow over this topographic feature locally contributes mixing that removes heat from Water. Here, we investigate forcing, barotropic-to-baroclinic energy conversion rates, and dissipation rates using observations oceanic currents, hydrography, microstructure collected on southern flanks plateau summer 2007, together with results a global high-resolution ocean circulation tide model simulation. energetics (depth-integrated baroclinic fluxes rates) show large spatial variability are dominated luni-solar diurnal (K1) principal lunar semidiurnal (M2) constituents. volume-integrated rate enclosing approximately 1 GW accounts about 50% M2 all K1 larger domain covering entire Strait extended North Pole. Despite substantial conversion, internal tides trapped along topography, implying local rates. An approximate conversion–dissipation balance found shallows also deep part sloping flanks. radiated away upper slope dissipated deeper isobaths. From observations, inferred lower bounds total 0.5 1.1 GW, respectively, where 0.4–0.6 can be attributed contribution hot spots energetic turbulence. domain-integrated close bound observed dissipation, implies almost energy.