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This dataset contains the model diagnostics used to reproduce the figures in the paper and the configuration files forthereference MITgcm simulation.

Mesoscale eddy mixing profoundly modulates the ocean tracer budgets, and is typically parameterized via the isopycnal eddy diffusivity in ocean climate models. However, relatively little is known about the magnitude/structure of isopycnal eddy diffusivity across continental slopes, which hinders the understanding and prediction of shelf‐open ocean exchanges. In this study, we quantify the isopycnal eddy diffusivity in a suite of eddy‐resolving, process‐oriented simulations of mesoscale turbulence over continental slopes under upwelling‐favorable winds, a configuration that commonly arises around the margins of subtropical gyres. Cross‐shore eddy diffusivity is found to be suppressed in the upper open ocean occupied by strong alongshore flows, but enhanced at depths where alongshore flows are weakened, a finding that is consistent with the enhancement of eddy mixing near the steering level. Over continental slopes, eddy diffusivity also strengthens at mid‐depths, but almost vanishes near the seafloor. To theoretically constrain the simulated eddy fluxes, we examine the scaling of eddy diffusivity proposed by Ferrari and Nikurashin (2010, https://doi.org/10.1175/2010JPO4278.1), which accounts for the suppression of eddy mixing induced by the relative propagation of eddies to the mean flow. We show that, apart from the mean‐flow suppression effect, the eddy anisotropy effect induced by steep topography shapes both the horizontal and vertical structures of cross‐shore eddy diffusivity. Finally, we propose prospective closures of the eddy propagation speed and eddy anisotropy effect over continental slopes using the large‐scale flow and bathymetric quantities. This work offers a basis upon which a “slope‐aware” parameterization of mesoscale eddy mixing can be developed.

Continental slopes – steep regions between the shelf break and abyssal ocean – play key roles in the climatology and ecology of the Arctic Ocean. Here, through review and synthesis, we find that the narrow slope regions contribute to ecosystem functioning disproportionately to the size of the habitat area (∼6% of total Arctic Ocean area). Driven by inflows of sub-Arctic waters and steered by topography, boundary currents transport boreal properties and particle loads from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans along-slope, thus creating both along and cross-slope connectivity gradients in water mass properties and biomass. Drainage of dense, saline shelf water and material within these, and contributions of river and meltwater also shape the characteristics of the slope domain. These and other properties led us to distinguish upper and lower slope domains; the upper slope (shelf break to ∼800 m) is characterized by stronger currents, warmer sub-surface temperatures, and higher biomass across several trophic levels (especially near inflow areas). In contrast, the lower slope has slower-moving currents, is cooler, and exhibits lower vertical carbon flux and biomass. Distinct zonation of zooplankton, benthic and fish communities result from these differences. Slopes display varying levels of system connectivity: (1) along-slope through property and material transport in boundary currents, (2) cross-slope through upwelling of warm and nutrient rich water and down-welling of dense water and organic rich matter, and (3) vertically through shear and mixing. Slope dynamics also generate separating functions through (1) along-slope and across-slope fronts concentrating biological activity, and (2) vertical gradients in the water column and at the seafloor that maintain distinct physical structure and community turnover. At the upper slope, climatic change is manifested in sea-ice retreat, increased heat and mass transport by sub-Arctic inflows, surface warming, and altered vertical stratification, while the lower slope has yet to display evidence of change. Model projections suggest that ongoing physical changes will enhance primary production at the upper slope, with suspected enhancing effects for consumers. We recommend Pan-Arctic monitoring efforts of slopes given that many signals of climate change appear there first and are then transmitted along the slope domain.

The dispersal of sand from submerged mounds in the nearshore is driven by the interplay of processes such as converging and recirculating flows, changing roughness, bed slope effects and wave focusing/refraction. This morphological diffusivity is key to understanding sand bars in shallow seas, tidal inlets, estuaries, and the nearshore response to human interventions such as nourishments and dredging. Most of the work on the evolution of submerged mounds has been based on fluvial studies, focusing on flow without waves. In these cases, circular mounds tend to deform to crescentic (barchan) shapes. In contrast, observations of sandbars and berms in the nearshore subjected to waves show much more complex translation and deformation behavior. This contribution introduces the laboratory MOrphological Diffusivity Experiment (MODEX) aimed at examining morphological diffusivity under different forcing conditions. The experiment particularly addresses the linkages between small scale (local) effects (e.g. bed slope, bedforms) on the adjustment of sandy mounds.

Workshop on Internal Solutions and Their Impacts; 23-26 Jul. 2003; Williamsburg, VA.; United States Internal wave distribution maps have been compiled from more than one hundred ERS-1/2, RADARSAT and Space Shuttle SAR images in the South China Sea (SCS) from 1993 to 2000. Based on these distribution maps, most of internal waves in the northeast part of SCS were propagating westward. The wave crest can be as long as 200 km with amplitude of 100 m, due to strong current from the Kuroshio branching out into the SCS. In recent Asian Seas International Acoustics Experiment (ASIAEX), moorings have been deployed in April 2000 and May 2001. Simultaneous RADARSAT ScanSAR images have been collected during the field test to integrate with the model and the in-situ measurements in the SCS. During ASIAEX in May 2001, many large internal waves were observed at the test area and were the major features for acoustic volume interaction. The environmental parameters have been calculated based on extensive CTD castings and mooring data. Nonlinear internal wave models have been applied to simulate the wave evolution on the continental shelf and the results compare reasonably with mooring measurements. The evolution and dissipation of huge internal waves on the shelf break, mode-two waves, elevation waves, and wave-wave interaction are very important issues for acoustic propagation. The implication of internal wave effects on acoustic propagation will also be discussed. N00014-99-1-0275 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) trends of the main target species of the deep-sea fishery were recorded for one sample trawler in two areas to the west of the British Isles, from 1993 to 1997. Considered species were the orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus), the roundnose grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris), the black scabbard fish (Aphanopus carbo) and two squalid sharks: the Portuguese dogfish (Centroscymnus coelolepis) and the leafscale gulper shark (Centrophorus squamosus). Two sources of data have been used: the catch and effort database of IFREMER and the personal logbooks of the skipper from the sample trawler. The personal logbooks indicate the catch per haul, whereas the IFREMER database provides the catch and effort per day and statistical rectangle. From the personal logbooks, the time spent on deep-sea species can be known and CPUE corrected for the depth. These corrected CPUE allow to take into account the changes of the fishing strategy and the variations of the fish abundance according to depth. Both, the life strategies of the exploited species and the fishing strategy of the trawler are very important to consider the CPUE as abundance indices., Les Captures Par Unité d’Effort (CPUE) des principales espèces cibles de la pêcherie récente de l’étage moyen du talus continental ont été suivies dans deux secteurs géographiques à l’ouest des Iles britanniques, de 1993 à 1997, pour un bateau témoin. Les espèces choisies sont l’empereur (Hoplostethus atlanticus), le grenadier de roche (Coryphaenoides rupestris), le sabre noir (Aphanopus carbo) et deux requins de la famille des Squalidae: le pailona commun (Centroscymnus coelolepis) et le squale chagrin de l’Atlantique (Centrophorus squamosus). Deux sources de données ont permis de réaliser ce suivi: la base statistique IFREMER et les cahiers de bords personnels du patron de pêche du bateau témoin. Cette dernière source d’information indique la capture par trait contrairement à la base statistique qui donne la capture par rectangle statistique. Elle permet de connaître précisément le temps de pêche alloué à la capture de ces espèces mais aussi d’estimer des CPUE corrigées de l’effet profondeur, c’est-à-dire de tenir compte de la stratégie de pêche du navire et des variations d’abondance en fonction de la profondeur. Ces deux aspects sont importants pour interpréter de façon pertinente les CPUE en tant qu’indice d’abondance.