Theory 21/Physical Oceanography
Mixed Layer Is a Flux Ratio
The claim
The depth of the ocean mixed layer is set by the ratio of surface buoyancy flux to wind stress rather than by wind speed alone.
01The mechanism
Wind deepens the layer while buoyancy flux restratifies it; the depth is where the two balance, which is a ratio rather than an energy input.
02Predictions
- P1Depth should track the ratio.
- P2Wind alone should mispredict across heating regimes.
03Refutation
Depth tracking wind stress would remove the buoyancy term.