Downslope Mixing and the Use of Sigma Ocean Models
for Climate Studies
Tal Ezer
Princeton University
The difficulties of representing overflow processes and deep water formation
in course resolution z-level models point to some advantages of using
terrain-following ocean models for long-term, large-scale climate problems,
were traditionally other types of models have been used in the past.
Experiments with an idealized generalized sigma coordinate ocean model
demonstrate the sensitivity of deep water formation to the model grid. More
realistic simulations of the North Atlantic Ocean and its adjustment to global
climate change demonstrate the important role of overflows and bottom boundary
layer dynamics. Sensitivity experiments explore how the parameterization of
horizontal diffusion in POM affects long-term climate simulations.