Near-Inertial Wave Studies Using Historical Mooring Records and a High-Resolution General Circulation Model
Abstract
Knowledge of internal waves and ocean mixing is important f()r advancing the performance of operational and climate models, as well as for understanding local problems such as pollutant dispersal and biological productivity. Consequently, a long-term goal of the oceanographic community has been to develop a global internal wave prediction system analogous to systems already in place for surfuce waves. Early steps have been accomplished with simulations of internal tides at basin and global scale (Niwa and Hibiya 2001; Simmons et ol. 2004; Simmons 2008) and near-inertial waves (Zhai et al. 2007). However, near inertial waves and mesoscale variability have not been studied carefully in the context of global simulations. This project takes another step toward this larger goal. Our objectives were to: Understand the generation mechanisms and subsequent propagation of near-inertial waves in an eddy-resolving global model. Validate model predictions with historical and new datasets and determine improvements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA550978
Entities
People
- Harper Simmons
- Matthew H. Alford
Organizations
- University of Washington