Ocean state estimations for synthesis of ocean-mixing observations

Abstract

AbstractVertical mixing in oceans is an essential component of the dynamics of ocean circulation, including meridional circulation. Nevertheless, various aspects of mixing, particularly in conjunction with global ocean energetics, remain debatable. One of the biggest reasons is the lack of observational facts. With the recent expansion of global vertical-mixing observations, attempts have been made to estimate the ocean state using vertical-mixing observation data to better understand the role of mixing in oceanography. In this review, we discuss the current status of the ocean state estimation and future synthesis of vertically mixing observation data into the oceanic basin-scale state estimation, including progress of data assimilation studies using numerical models. These will contribute to the construction of the future line of observation, model, and data synthesis studies along which the issues on ocean mixing can be consistently resolved.