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A comprehensive model-data intercomparison alnalysis have been carried out using a basin-wide Pacific model simulation during the first three years of the TOPEX/POSEIDON mission. The ocean model is based on the GFDL Moduler Ocean Model. It is configured over the Pacific basin from 50°S to 65°N. The horizontal resolution varies from 1/3° at the Equator to 1° in the subtropics, with 28 levels in the vertical. The vertical mixing uses the Ri-based scheme of Pacanowski and Philander (1981).
A control simulation was made forced by Oberhuber climatological heat flux and weekly average NMC winds. Reynold's weekly SST was restored to the surface, and no buoyancy flux was prescibed. A sensitivity study is underway in which the model is systematically forced with ECMWF Heat flux based on Barnier's (1995) formulation, daily ECMWF wind stresses, and sea surface salinity is restored to monthly Levitus climatology. The simulated SSH, temperature, and velocity fields are compared with T/P, XBT, current meters, drifter and float datsets.
Preliminary analysis shows improvement in the high frequency variability of the temperature structure via daily wind forcing up to a depth of 300 meters. Systematic improvement is found when forced with daily winds while comparing against Drifter data at particular Equatorial locations. Effects of such forcing variations on the Equatorial current system and subtropical variability will be the focus of our presentation. Detailed comparisons of the simulations with ALACE floats, monthly and high-density XBTs will also be discussed.
by Avijit Gangopadhyay, Lee-Lueng Fu, and Yi Chao
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