Data‐Driven Parameterization of Arctic Ocean Turbulent Mixing
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Turbulent mixing may become increasingly important in a changing Arctic Ocean, influencing regional dynamics and global overturning. Arctic turbulence remains poorly characterized due to sparse observations, limitations of conventional parameterizations, and incomplete understanding. We train gradient‐boosted decision trees on global microstructure turbulence data (>5,000 profiles; ∼ data points) to predict turbulent dissipation from more widely available hydrography. Global training is essential for skill across non‐Arctic and Arctic regions (, 75% within a factor of 2 of observations; = 0.47–0.55 under spatial block cross‐validation). Applied to pan‐Arctic hydrographic observations, predictions show enhanced dissipation along margins and shelves and weaker values in basin interiors, consistent with current understanding. Applied to high‐resolution model output, predictions reveal diffusivities and a basin‐integrated irreversible buoyancy flux consistent with observations, yet markedly different from the common K‐Profile Parameterization—with implications for simulated tracer transport. Our parameterization can help assess climate‐mixing feedbacks in projections while physics‐based parameterizations mature.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2026gl123721
Institutions: University of Cambridge, University of Southampton
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W7225793134