Ocean Exchange and Circulation

Abstract

The great spatial and temporal variability, which characterizes the marine environment, requires a huge effort to be observed and studied properly since changes in circulation and mixing processes directly influence the variability of the physical and biogeochemical properties. A multi-platform approach and a collaborative effort, in addition to optimizing both data collection and quality, is needed to bring the scientific community to more efficient monitoring and predicting of the world ocean processes. This Special Issue consists of nine original scientific articles that address oceanic circulation and water mass exchange. Most of them deal with mean circulation, basin and sub-basin-scale flows, mesoscale eddies, and internal processes (e.g., mixing and internal waves) that contribute to the redistribution of oceanic properties and energy within the ocean. One paper deals with numerical modelling application finalized to evaluate the capacity of coastal vegetated areas to mitigate the impact of a tsunami. The study areas in which these topics are developed include both oceanic areas and semi-enclosed seas such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Fram Strait, the South China Sea, and the Northwest Pacific. Scientific findings presented in this Special Issue highlight how a combination of various modern observation techniques can improve our understanding of the complex physical and biogeochemical processes in the ocean.

Keywords

• mesoscale eddies
• deep-sea thermohaline variability
• dense-water formation
• picoplankton distribution
• glider
• floats
• high-frequency radar
• moorings
• tsunami
• kuroshio bifurcation
• internal waves