Discrete Precipitation Effects on Seasonal Mixed Layer Dynamics in the North Pacific Ocean
Abstract
This study was conducted to examine the effects of discrete precipitation events on the short-term and seasonal evolution of ocean mixed layer temperature and salinity structure. Two numerical modeling experiments were performed. The first was to simulate the response of the mixed layer to hypothetical discrete (isolated) precipitation events. This experiment showed that the effect of a single discrete rain event can vary with season, with the mixed layer depth (MLD) at onset of the rain event, and with the strength of wind stress forcing. A single rain event can have lasting effects on mixed layer depth and temperature for up to 55 days after the event, depending upon the season. The second experiment simulated quasi-realistic complex precipitation forcing, with a realistic distribution of synoptic events over a 13-month period. For this experiment, four different precipitation intensities were tested. The values of temperature, salinity, and MLD predicted by the model were compared with observed Conductivity Temperature Depth measurements and with the values predicted using constant precipitation forcing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA202029
Entities
People
- Mendal S. Livezey
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School