Abstract
Under the Arctic Ocean Models Intercomparison Project (AOMIP), results
from AWI, IOS and LANL models are compared with respect to
circulation, temperature and salinity through the Atlantic
Layer. Evaluations are performed as functions of depth and of time
over the period 1950 - 2000. Goals include identifying differences
among AOMIP models leading to different representations of
the Atlantic Layer.
The approach in AOMIP is to integrate all of the models in as nearly
the same way as possible (common initialization, common forcing,
etc.) from Jan 1948 through 2000 (or further). Goals are (1)
to see how model results differ among themeselves and from observations,
(2) to discover the reasons for different results, and (3) to identify
ways for models’ improvement. This poster is concerned
with (1) seeing how model results differ.
Abstract
Along the eastern side of the N Pacific, shallow flows characterize the
eastern limbs of the subtropic and subpolar gyres. Beneath
the surface, and sometimes at the surface, poleward flows
overlying the continental slope persists from Mexico to the Aleutian
Arc. These surface and subsurface flows here define ‘California
Currents’.
Shallow flows in the Arctic tend to form an anticyclonic and a cyclonic
gyre. Beneath the surface, and sometimes at the surface,
circumbasin boundary flows overlie the slopes. Such themes
are repeated in ocean basins and marginal seas throughout
the world. Why? The suggestion is that, of all ways ocean currents can
organize, largely independently of applied forcing, the overwhelming
majority of outcomes resemble California Currents. This is
especially illustrated in the Arctic.
Abstract
We utilize one of the AOMIP (Arctic Ocean Model Intercomparison Project)
models to examine the influence that Arctic tides may exert upon the long
term climate of the ocean and ice system. Output from a previous tidal
model provides a parameterization of vertical mixing in the water column
as well as affecting lead opening and mobility of sea ice. Results include
loss of heat from the Atlantic Layer, leading to sea ice reduction which
is offset by higher growth due to fracturing the ice cover. Climatic consequences
are considered beyond the Arctic.
