Journal
OCEAN MODELLING
Volume 66, Issue -, Pages 64-76Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocemod.2013.02.004
Keywords
Model uncertainties; Stochastic parameterization; Equation of state; Global ocean model
Categories
Funding
- E.U. [FP7-SPACE-2011-1-CT-283580-SANGOMA]
- CNES
- GENCI-IDRIS [2011-011279]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
In this study, it is shown (i) that, as a result of the nonlinearity of the seawater equation of state, unresolved scales represent a major source of uncertainties in the computation of the large-scale horizontal density gradient from the large-scale temperature and salinity fields, and (ii) that the effect of these uncertain ties can be simulated using random processes to represent unresolved temperature and salinity fluctuations. The results of experiments performed with a low resolution global ocean model show that this parameterization has a considerable effect on the average large-scale circulation of the ocean, especially in the regions of intense mesoscale activity. The large-scale flow is less geostrophic, with more intense associated vertical velocities, and the average geographical position of the main temperature and salinity fronts is more consistent with observations. In particular, the simulations suggest that the stochastic effect of the unresolved temperature and salinity fluctuations on the large-scale density field may be sufficient to explain why the Gulf Stream pathway systematically overshoots in non-stochastic low resolution ocean models. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available