In this note, we provide an overview of the theoretical, numerical, and observational studies focused on oceanic eddy diffusivity, with an emphasis on double-diffusive convection (DDC). DDC, when calculated using the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) equation, produces a negative diffusion of density. A second-moment closure model shows that DDC is effective within a narrow range. Other parameterizations can use?in the actual sea, but improvements are still needed. Mixing coefficients referring to mixing efficiency are key factors when distinguishing DDC from conventional turbulence. Here, we show that measurements involving the gradient Richardson number, the buoyancy Reynolds number, and density ratio play a crucial role in determining eddy diffusivity in the presence of DDC. Therefore, deployment of a microstructure profiler together with either an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), lowered ADCP, or electromagnetic current meter is essential when measuring eddy diffusivity in the ocean’s interior.
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