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Estimating Subsurface Velocities from Surface Fields with Idealized Stratification

Estimating Subsurface Velocities from Surface Fields with Idealized Stratification A previously published method by Wang et al. for predicting subsurface velocities and density from sea surface buoyancy and surface height is extended by incorporating analytical solutions to make the vertical projection. One solution employs exponential stratification and the second has a weakly stratified surface layer, approximating a mixed layer. The results are evaluated using fields from a numerical simulation of the North Atlantic. The simple exponential solution yields realistic subsurface density and vorticity fields to nearly 1000 m in depth. Including a mixed layer improves the response in the mixed layer itself and at high latitudes where the mixed layer is deeper. It is in the mixed layer that the surface quasigeostrophic approximation is most applicable. Below that the first baroclinic mode dominates, and that mode is well approximated by the analytical solution with exponential stratification. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Physical Oceanography American Meteorological Society

Estimating Subsurface Velocities from Surface Fields with Idealized Stratification

LaCasce, J. H.; Wang, J.
Journal of Physical Oceanography , Volume 45 (9) – Oct 16, 2014
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Publisher
American Meteorological Society
Copyright
Copyright © 2014 American Meteorological Society
ISSN
0022-3670
eISSN
1520-0485
DOI
10.1175/JPO-D-14-0206.1
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

A previously published method by Wang et al. for predicting subsurface velocities and density from sea surface buoyancy and surface height is extended by incorporating analytical solutions to make the vertical projection. One solution employs exponential stratification and the second has a weakly stratified surface layer, approximating a mixed layer. The results are evaluated using fields from a numerical simulation of the North Atlantic. The simple exponential solution yields realistic subsurface density and vorticity fields to nearly 1000 m in depth. Including a mixed layer improves the response in the mixed layer itself and at high latitudes where the mixed layer is deeper. It is in the mixed layer that the surface quasigeostrophic approximation is most applicable. Below that the first baroclinic mode dominates, and that mode is well approximated by the analytical solution with exponential stratification.

Journal

Journal of Physical Oceanography – American Meteorological Society

Published: Oct 16, 2014

References

  • Uniform potential vorticity flow. Part I: Theory of wave interactions and two-dimensional turbulence
    Blumen
  • Critical layer instability in baroclinic flows
    Bretherton
  • Surface quasi-geostrophic dynamics
    Held