The hydrodynamic study of artificial upwelling plume in density-stratified ocean

Abstract Artificial upwelling is considered as a potential way to increase the phytoplankton productivity. However, one of major obstacles for the large-scale field application of artificial upwelling is the dilution of uplifted nutrient-rich water in density-stratified ocean. In this paper, the hydrodynamic characters, such as trajectory and initial velocity of artificial upwelling, is investigated by using theoretical and numerical methods. A mathematical model is derived to ensure the artificial upwelling captured by density interface with a specified density. The numerical simulation results are used to validate the mathematical model. The results present that artificial upwelling trajectory and concentration could be controlled by initial upwelling velocity and influenced by nozzle radius, current speed and density difference. By this way, artificial upwelling can be maintained a relative high concentration in the density interface and used to improve phytoplankton primary productivity.