Sixth-order difference scheme for sigma coordinate ocean models
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Authors
Fan, C.W.
Chu, Peter C.
Subjects
Advisors
Date of Issue
1997
Date
1997
Publisher
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Abstract
How to reduce the horizontal pressure gradient error is a key issue of using s-coordinate ocean models,
especially of using primitive equation models for coastal regions. The error is caused by the splitting of the
horizontal pressure gradient term into two parts and the subsequent incomplete cancellation of the truncation
errors of those parts. Due to the fact that the higher the order of the difference scheme, the less the truncation
error and the more complicated the computation, a sixth-order difference scheme for the s-coordinate ocean
models is proposed in order to reduce error without increasing complexity of the computation. After the analytical
error estimation, the Semi-spectral Primitive Equation Model is used to demonstrate the benefit of using this
scheme. The stability and accuracy are compared with those of the second-order and fourth-order schemes in
a series of calculations of unforced flow in the vicinity of an isolated seamount. The sixth-order scheme is
shown to have error reductions by factors of 5 compared to the fourth-order difference scheme and by factors
of 50 compared to the second-order difference scheme over a wide range of parameter space as well as a great
parametric domain of numerical stability.
Type
Article
Description
Journal of Physical Oceanography, American Meteorological Society
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
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Citation
Chu, P.C., and C.W. Fan, 1997: Sixth-order difference scheme for sigma coordinate ocean models (paper download). Journal of Physical Oceanography, American Meteorological Society, 27, 2064-2071.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.