EAS PhD Dissertation Defense by iury T. Simoes-Sousa
When: Tuesday,
August 1, 2023
10:00 AM
-
12:00 PM
Where: > See description for location
Description: Date: August 1, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Topic: Multiscale Ocean Vortices: Computational Insights into Submesoscale Biophysics, Mesoscale Vertical Structure, and Internal-Wave Mixing
Zoom Teleconference:
https://umassd.zoom.us/j/98161673554?pwd=MzFoZ3k4SS95cFJLcFdmVWo0TFQ0Zz09
Meeting ID: 981 6167 3554
Passcode: 968271
Abstract:
This thesis focuses on the study of ocean vortices at different scales that are affected by Earth's rotation. These vortices, or eddies, are the marine analogues of atmospheric storms and are generated by various processes, occurring at different scales ranging from larger mesoscale (dozens of kilometers) to smaller submesoscale (hundreds of meters to a few kilometers). The dynamics of these vortices are essential for understanding energy transfer, heat transport, and biogeochemical cycles in the oceans, which are crucial for climate change predictions. This thesis explores the characteristics and behavior of ocean vortices at different scales, using both numerical simulations and on-site global observations. We start by explaining how submesoscale, expressed as surface mixed-layer eddies, impacts biogeochemical processes by bringing extra nutrients and enhancing phytoplankton blooms. This new perspective reveals a previously overlooked aspect of the submesoscale's impact on phytoplankton abundance and needs to be incorporated into climate models, complementing their effect on reestratification. Furthermore, we investigate larger mesoscale vortices and create an unprecedented global dataset for future studies on the vertical structure of these vortices using high-performance scientific computing. We leverage this groundbreaking dataset to uncover the captivating mechanisms underlying the impact of ocean mesoscale vortices on internal-wave mixing. Through the modification of the local resonant frequency, vortices have the ability to attract or repel near-inertial waves, leading to higher mixing within anticyclones. This pioneering investigation sheds light on the intricate interplay between long-lived mesoscale vortices and internal-wave mixing, presenting far-reaching implications for the ocean's energy budget and biogeochemical processes. Throughout the thesis, computational science plays a crucial role in running high-resolution simulations, analyzing vast amounts of data, ensuring reproducibility, and providing accessible tools. These tools developed for oceanography promote free and open science, accelerate scientific advancements, enhance access for underprivileged groups, and foster collaborations. Overall, this thesis delves into the intricate dynamics of ocean vortices, providing insights into their formation, behavior, and impacts on various Earth system processes.
ADVISOR(S):
Prof. Amit Tandon Department of Mechanical Engineering (atandon@umassd.edu, 508-999-8357)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Prof. Daniel MacDonald, Department of Civil Engineering
Prof. Geoffrey Cowles, SMAST/Fisheries Oceanography
Prof. Samuel M. Kelly, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota Duluth
NOTE: All EAS Students are ENCOURAGED to attend.
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Topic: Multiscale Ocean Vortices: Computational Insights into Submesoscale Biophysics, Mesoscale Vertical Structure, and Internal-Wave Mixing
Zoom Teleconference:
https://umassd.zoom.us/j/98161673554?pwd=MzFoZ3k4SS95cFJLcFdmVWo0TFQ0Zz09
Meeting ID: 981 6167 3554
Passcode: 968271
Abstract:
This thesis focuses on the study of ocean vortices at different scales that are affected by Earth's rotation. These vortices, or eddies, are the marine analogues of atmospheric storms and are generated by various processes, occurring at different scales ranging from larger mesoscale (dozens of kilometers) to smaller submesoscale (hundreds of meters to a few kilometers). The dynamics of these vortices are essential for understanding energy transfer, heat transport, and biogeochemical cycles in the oceans, which are crucial for climate change predictions. This thesis explores the characteristics and behavior of ocean vortices at different scales, using both numerical simulations and on-site global observations. We start by explaining how submesoscale, expressed as surface mixed-layer eddies, impacts biogeochemical processes by bringing extra nutrients and enhancing phytoplankton blooms. This new perspective reveals a previously overlooked aspect of the submesoscale's impact on phytoplankton abundance and needs to be incorporated into climate models, complementing their effect on reestratification. Furthermore, we investigate larger mesoscale vortices and create an unprecedented global dataset for future studies on the vertical structure of these vortices using high-performance scientific computing. We leverage this groundbreaking dataset to uncover the captivating mechanisms underlying the impact of ocean mesoscale vortices on internal-wave mixing. Through the modification of the local resonant frequency, vortices have the ability to attract or repel near-inertial waves, leading to higher mixing within anticyclones. This pioneering investigation sheds light on the intricate interplay between long-lived mesoscale vortices and internal-wave mixing, presenting far-reaching implications for the ocean's energy budget and biogeochemical processes. Throughout the thesis, computational science plays a crucial role in running high-resolution simulations, analyzing vast amounts of data, ensuring reproducibility, and providing accessible tools. These tools developed for oceanography promote free and open science, accelerate scientific advancements, enhance access for underprivileged groups, and foster collaborations. Overall, this thesis delves into the intricate dynamics of ocean vortices, providing insights into their formation, behavior, and impacts on various Earth system processes.
ADVISOR(S):
Prof. Amit Tandon Department of Mechanical Engineering (atandon@umassd.edu, 508-999-8357)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Prof. Daniel MacDonald, Department of Civil Engineering
Prof. Geoffrey Cowles, SMAST/Fisheries Oceanography
Prof. Samuel M. Kelly, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota Duluth
NOTE: All EAS Students are ENCOURAGED to attend.
Contact: > See Description for contact information
Topical Areas: Faculty, Students, Students, Graduate, Students, Undergraduate, Bioengineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Computer and Information Science, Co-op Program, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics