Observations of upper-ocean turbulence during the VOCALS experiment

As part of the VAMOS Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study (VOCALS) Regional Experiment, properties of upper-ocean turbulence were measured with a microstructure profiler during ship-based surveys, and a longer time series of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation at 9-m depth was collected from a surface mooring. The ship-based surveys allow examination of vertical mixing and its horizontal and vertical variation. The turbulence data from the mooring allows an assessment of the temporal variability of upper-ocean turbulence in the region and its relation to the surface forcing (wind, waves, and surface heat flux) and to oceanic variability, such as near-inertial waves. These data will be used to characterize upper-ocean turbulence beneath the Southeast Pacific stratus deck, its variability, and its role in setting upper-ocean mean properties.