Viscosity Parameterization and the Gulf Stream Separation
Abstract
Recent advances in computer architecture allow for numerical integration of state-of-the-art ocean models at basin scale with a grid resolution of 1/10 degrees or higher. At that resolution, the Gulf Stream's separation at Cape Hatteras is well stimulated, but substantial differences from observations are still observed in its path, strength, and variability. Several high resolution (1/12 degrees) North Atlantic simulations performed with the Miami Isopycnic Coordinate Ocean Model (MICOM) are discussed and the results suggest that, even with such a fine grid spacing, the modeled large scale circulation is still quite sensitive to choices in forcing and viscosity parameterization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 19, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP013577
Entities
People
- Eric. P. Chassignet
- Zulema D. Garraffo
Organizations
- University of Miami