Analysis of observed and modeled mixed layers: NOCAL region
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Authors
Durban, Diane C.
Subjects
Mixed layer
Mixed layer modeling
Wind mixing
Ocean prediction
Mixed layer modeling
Wind mixing
Ocean prediction
Advisors
Mooers, Christopher N.K.
Date of Issue
1983-09
Date
September 1983
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
Surface mixed properties off Northern California (NOCAL) were analyzed statistically and numerically. The observations were acquired on three cruises as part of the Pilot Ocean Prediction Study of the California Current eddies centered ca. 37 to 39N, 125 to 127W during March and August 1982. Mixed layer depth, averaging 33+/-14 m, had a horizontal correlation scale of no more than 35 km, which has significance for relating thermal structure information from individual temperature profiles to that of Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center's (FNOC) analyses based on a grid length of approximately 300km. Simulations and sensitivity tests were made using the Garwood bulk mixed layer model and the Mellor Level-2.5 diffusion model with the initial and boundary conditions acquired at sea and from FNOC. Upper ocean thermal structure analyses and forecasts were also obtained from the Navy's TOPS/TOPS-EOTS diffusion model, which has since become operational at FNOC. Comparisons of observations, analyses, and model solutions reveal consistent cooling and deepening by the two former models and excessive warming by the latter model. These significant differences are believed to be related to model resolution, model sensitivity, oceanic and atmospheric data quality, and spatial variability.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Oceanography
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Research supported in part by the Office of Naval Research under RR0331-03-01, RR032-02-OK.
Funder
N0001483AF00001
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
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.