Turbulent Dissipation Over the Continental Slope Off Vancouver Island

Abstract

Thirteen profiles of the rate of viscous dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy &epsi¯ were made over the continental slope off Vancouver Island between 12 and 14 May 1980 in conjunction with CTD and moored current-meter observations. Systematic variability was observed in the vertical but not in the horizontal direction. Above 200 m depth numerous salt-stabilized temperature inversions were seen and dissipation rates were significantly larger than below 200 m. Dissipation rates below 200 m are the lowest ever reported and coincide with a low level of energetics revealed by the current meter moorings. Comparison with the Garrett-Munk internal wave spectrum indicates an e-folding decay time of internal wave energy of ∼50 days at depths below 200 m.