Ocean Modeling and Parameterization Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute, Les Houches, France, January 20-30, 1998

About this book

The realism of large-scale numerical ocean models has improved dramatically, in part because modern computers permit a more faithful representation of the differential equations by their algebraic analogues. Equally significant has been the improved understanding of physical processes on space and time scales smaller than those that can be represented in such models. Some of the most challenging issues remaining in ocean modelling are associated with parameterizing the effects of these high-frequency, small-spatial-scale processes. The success of any large-scale numerical simulation depends directly on the choices that are made for the parameterization of various subgrid processes. These choices are often constrained by the overall model architecture and may be more or less natural to the particular model design. A good understanding of parameterizations and their impact on the modelled ocean circulations is crucial to the large international projects seeking to achieve global simulations. In parallel, several large observational programs are underway, both from space and in situ, dealing with the short and long time scales. These observations are in turn leading to improvements in available parameterizations.

Contents

1. Oceanic General Circulation Models; J.C. McWilliams. 2. Forcing the Ocean; B. Barnier. 3. Modeling and Parameterizing the Ocean Planetary Boundary Layer; W.G. Large. 4. Parameterization of the Fair Weather Ekman Layer; J.F. Price. 5. The Representation of Bottom Boundary Layer Processes in Numerical Ocean Circulation Models; A. Beckman. 6. Marginal Sea Overflows for Climate Simulations; J.F. Price, J. Yang. 7. Turbulent Mixing in the Ocean. Intensity, Causes, and Consequences; J.M. Toole. 8. Parameterization of Processes in Deep Convection Regimes; U. Send, R.H. Kase. 9. Double-Diffusive Convection. Its Role in Ocean Mixing and Parameterization Schemes for Large Scale Modeling; R.W. Schmitt. 10. Interleaving at the Equator. Its Parameterization and Effect on the Large Scale Dynamics; K.J. Richards. 11. Eddy Parameterization in Large Scale Flow; P.D. Killworth. 12. Three-Dimensional Residual-Mean Theory; T.J. McDougall. 13. Statistical Mechanics of Potential Vorticity for Parameterizing Mesoscale Eddies; J. Sommeria. 14. Topographic Stress: Importance and Parameterization; A. Alvarez, J. Tintore. 15. Large-Eddy Simulations of Three-Dimensional Turbulent Flows: Geophysical Applications; O. Metais. 16. Parameter Estimation in Dynamical Models; G. Evensen, et al. 17. On the Large-Scale Modeling of Sea Ice and Sea Ice-Ocean Interactions; T. Fichefet, et al. 18. Ocean Modeling in Isopycnic Coordinates; R. Bleck.

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