Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/L003325/1
Pycnocline Mixing in Shelf Seas
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr J Polton, NOC (Up to 31.10.2019), Science and Technology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor MR Palmer, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth Marine Lab
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr M Luneva, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor J Holt, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
- Grant held at:
- NOC (Up to 31.10.2019), Science and Technology
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Marine
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Climate & Climate Change
- Ocean - Atmosphere Interact.
- Ocean Circulation
- Mixing
- Fluid Dynamics
- Abstract:
- The continental shelf seas provide a transition zone between estuaries and the ocean across which carbon, nutrients, sediments and contaminants are exchanged. The currents and mixing on the NW European continental shelf are dominated by the tide interacting with the sea bed, with density stratification occurring during summer months across ~80% of the region. Significant levels of biological primary production occur in these regions. However, the exchange of nutrients and carbon across these critical interfaces of stratified fluid is poorly understood and so is poorly represented in numerical models. This project aims to compile the world's largest observational data base of shelf sea pycnocline turbulence and hydrographic measurements and to exploit state-of-the-art computer modelling and new observational technology to investigate, quantify, and parameterise the physical mechanisms and processes responsible for the fluxes across this critical interface. In particular we will develop improved understanding of pycnocline turbulence and mixing promoted by shear instability. We will test the hypothesis that these mechanisms, or interaction between mechanisms, drives pycnocline shear to levels which exceed a critical threshold beyond which there is a catastrophic loss of stability resulting in episodic mixing. Parameterisations for this mixing will be developed and tested.
- Period of Award:
- 1 Apr 2014 - 31 Mar 2018
- Value:
- £420,970 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NE/L003325/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grant (FEC)
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £420,970
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| DI - Other Costs | Indirect - Indirect Costs | DA - Investigators | DI - Staff | DA - Estate Costs | DI - T&S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £5,847 | £154,883 | £72,669 | £100,276 | £63,093 | £24,203 |
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