Buoyancy Flux in Tropical Water

Why in News?

Recently, a new study by researchers at the University of Washington revealed the complicated process of tropical ocean waters.

• Scientists have long assumed so because rainwater is fresh and freshwater is lighter than seawater.
• Recent Findings - A recent study revealed that rain sometimes makes the surface heavier and more stable.
• Reason - Rain in the tropics often comes with large clouds and cold, dry air called cold pools.
• These cold pools can actually cool the ocean’s surface by blocking sunlight and increasing the transfer of heat from the water to the air.
• Data taken from - The researchers used data from 22 buoys across the equatorial oceans that measure rainfall, sea surface temperature, wind speed, and heat transfer.
• They analysed more than 31,000 hours of rainfall events from this data, focusing on the buoyancy flux, which combines the effects of heat and freshwater.

Buoyancy flux is the rate at which buoyancy is transported through a given area, typically per unit mass. It represents the vertical transport of potential energy due to density differences in a fluid.

• Key findings – The study also found that at night, rainfall was more likely to cause instability than during the day.
• The researchers found two rain zones
  • Cold rain zone – In the western Pacific and Indian Oceans, where rain was associated with more heat loss.
  • Hot rain zone – In the central Pacific where heat loss was less intense.
• Significance – Ocean mixing plays a key role in regulating the climate by transporting heat, carbon, and nutrients.

Quick facts

Reference

The Hindu| Buoyancy Flux in Tropical Water