Overview of Statistical Mechanics, with Practical Application for Ocean Modeling,
Abstract
Because oceans are bigger than computers that model them of what goes on in oceans cannot be represented adequately. Ability to observe the ocean is limited. These considerations compel a probabilistic view, both of the 'observed' ocean and especially taking account that models really solve for moments of probability of possible states of the ocean. We rethink how models should work, here taking into account statistical mechanical ideas about ocean circulations. There is difficulty. The problems that can be treated by methods of statistical mechanics are far from the practical problems of ocean modeling. We entertain a hybrid approach-employing conventional ocean modeling to deal with application of large scale forcing while extending model physics to recognize the oceans' internal dynamical tendency toward higher system entropy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADP008750
Entities
People
- Greg Holloway
Organizations
- Institute of Ocean Sciences