This study examines salinity barrier layers (BLs) in the eastern tropical North Pacific in the region of the Salinity Processes in the Upper ocean Regional Studies‐2 field campaign. We utilize a high‐resolution numerical model to study BLs and their relationship to frontal features and small‐scale ocean variability, focusing on two specific events. One is associated with a large outbreak of BL presence near 7°N along 125°W. The other is a relatively isolated but persistent BL that forms near 13°N, again along 125°W. In both cases we find that the BL is proximate to a salinity frontal feature in which isohalines tilt toward the fresh side of the front at its base. The BLs studied are associated with divergent flow at the surface on the fresh side of the front and convergent flow on the salty side. Tilting of the front is invoked to explain this, with an additional mechanism involving a vertical circulation which causes the base of the front to tilt preferentially.

中文翻译：

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东部热带太平洋高分辨率模型中的屏障层

本研究调查了SPURS-2（高空区域研究中的盐度过程-2）野外活动区域东部热带北太平洋（ETP）的盐分屏障层（BLs）。我们利用高分辨率数值模型研究BL及其与额叶特征和小规模海洋变化性的关系，重点是两个特定事件。其中一个与沿125°W靠近7°N的BL大爆发有关。另一个是相对孤立但持久的BL，它在13°N附近（又沿着125W）形成。在这两种情况下，我们都发现BL最接近盐度正面特征，在该特征中，等值线向其底部的正面新鲜侧倾斜。所研究的BLs与前部新鲜侧表面的发散流和咸侧的收敛流相关。