Sensitivity of a Coarse-Resolution Global Ocean Model to a Spatially Variable Neutral Diffusivity

Motivated by recent advances in mapping mesoscale eddy tracer mixing in the ocean we evaluate the sensitivity of a coarse-resolution global ocean model to a spatially variable neutral diffusion coefficient kappa(n)(x, y, z). We gradually introduce physically motivated models for the horizontal (mixing length theory) and vertical (surface mode theory) structure of kappa(n) along with suppression of mixing by mean flows. Each structural feature influences the ocean's hydrography and circulation to varying extents, with the suppression of mixing by mean flows being the most important factor and the vertical structure being relatively unimportant. When utilizing the full theory (experiment FULL) the interhemispheric overturning cell is strengthened by 2 Sv at 26 degrees N (a similar to 20% increase), bringing it into better agreement with observations. Zonal mean tracer biases are also reduced in FULL. Neutral diffusion impacts circulation through surface temperature-induced changes in surface buoyancy fluxes and nonlinear equation of state effects. Surface buoyancy forcing anomalies are largest in the Southern Ocean where a decreased neutral diffusivity in FULL leads to surface cooling and enhanced dense-to-light surface water mass transformation, reinforced by reductions in cabbeling and thermobaricity. The increased water mass transformation leads to enhanced midlatitude stratification and interhemispheric overturning. The spatial structure for kappa(n) in FULL is important as it enhances the interhemispheric cell without degrading the Antarctic bottom water cell, unlike a spatially uniform reduction in kappa(n). These results highlight the sensitivity of modeled circulation to kappa(n) and motivate the use of physics-based models for its structure.

Automated summary

Motivated by recent advances in mapping mesoscale eddy tracer mixing in the ocean, this study evaluated the sensitivity of a coarse-resolution global ocean model to spatially variable neutral diffusion coefficients. Results show that suppression of mixing by mean flows is the most important factor, while the vertical structure is relatively unimportant. Utilizing the full theory strengthened the interhemispheric overturning cell, reduced zonal mean tracer biases, and impacted circulation through temperature-induced changes and nonlinear equation effects.