Evaluation of Lagrangian time scales and turbulent diffusivities by GPS equipped drifters

Abstract

In this paper absolute dispersion of GPS-equipped drifters of the MREA14 campaign in the Mar Grande Basin of Taranto was investigated. Velocity variance and integral time scale were computed. Different procedures to infer the mean velocity from drifter data were examined. A comparison within experimental and theoretical values of the displacement variance is introduced pointing out limits and requirements of numerical dispersion models. Estimates of horizontal diffusivities are obtained and presented.