Orthobaric density: A thermodynamic variable for ocean circulation studies

A new density variable, empirically corrected for pressure, is constructed. This is done by first fitting compressibility (or sound speed) computed from global ocean datasets to an empirical function of pressure an in situ density (or specific volume). Then, by replacing true compressibility by this...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of physical oceanography Vol. 30; no. 11; p. 2830
Main Authors de Szoeke, Roland A, Springer, Scott R, Oxilia, David M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Boston American Meteorological Society 01.11.2000
Subjects
Ocean circulation
Ocean currents
Oceanography
Thermodynamics
Water circulation
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Summary:A new density variable, empirically corrected for pressure, is constructed. This is done by first fitting compressibility (or sound speed) computed from global ocean datasets to an empirical function of pressure an in situ density (or specific volume). Then, by replacing true compressibility by this best-fit virtual compressibility in the thermodynamic density equation, an exact integral of a Pfaffian differential form can be found; this is called orthobaric density.
ISSN:0022-3670
1520-0485
DOI:10.1175/1520-0485(2001)031<2830:>2.0.CO;2