Dynamical Evaluation of Ocean Models Using the Gulf Stream as an Example
Abstract
The Gulf Stream is the focus of an effort aimed at dynamical understanding and evaluation of current systems simulated by eddy-resolving Ocean General Circulation Models (OGCMs), including examples with and without data assimilation and results from four OGCMs (IIYCOM. MICOM, NEMO, and POP), the first two including Lagrangian isopycnal coordinates in the vertical and the last two using fixed depths. The Gulf Stream has been challenging to simulate and understand. While different non-assimilative models have at times simulated a realistic Gulf Stream pathway, the simulations are very sensitive to small changes, such as subgrid-scale parameterizations and parameter values. Thus it is difficult to obtain consistent results and serious flaws are often simulated upstream and downstream of Gulf Stream separation from the coast at Cape Hatteras. In realistic simulations, steering by a key abyssal current and a Gulf Stream feedback mechanism constrain the latitude of the Gulf Stream near 68.5 deg W.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 10, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA556185
Entities
People
- Edward Joseph Metzger
- Eric Chassignet
- Harley E. Hurlburt
- James G. Richman
- Jay F. Shriver
- Luis Zamudio
- Matthew W. Hecht
- Olivier Le Galloudec
- Xiaobiao Xu
- Yann Drillet
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory