Abstract
Comment
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Poster
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IAPSO
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JPCM07 - Turbulence, Internal Waves and Mixing on all scale
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How climate change will impact internal wave mixing around New Zealand ? The I-Mix project
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1. Erik , Behrens*, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
2. Robert , Smith, University of Otago
3. Craig , Stevens, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
4. Charine , Collins, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
5. Gemma , Mason, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
6. Helen , Macdonald, The Australian National University
*Presenting Author
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New Zealand is a global hotspot for internal waves due to its extraordinary bathymetry, tides, coastal currents, and proximity to major undersea ridge systems. Internal waves and their associated mixing are considered important factors for the rich marine biodiversity around the country, as they affect nutrient supply and larval dispersion. The internal wave mixing is also assumed to provide a cooling effect against climate change, which might help explain regional differences in ocean temperature trends around New Zealand observed today. This study investigates how the internal wave climate and associated mixing will change around New Zealand using in-situ observations and numerical models under present-day and future climate change conditions. Furthermore, this study uses satellite images and AI detection algorithms to map internal waves in space and time, providing a comprehensive present-day characterization of the internal wave climate around New Zealand. Two case study regions have been selected (Northland and Southland), with contrasting projected future warming trends from climate projections, to shed light on how climate change (stratification and circulation) will impact internal wave characteristics in these regions and to allow inferences on changes in biodiversity. Both case study regions are important fishing grounds (commercial and customary) and tourist hotspots due to their impressive biodiversity.