Optical effects on ocean mixed layer dynamics.

Abstract

Improvements to the specification of ocean optical characteristics in mixed layer dynamics are explored. The effects of reflection (albedo), refraction, and attenuation of solar radiation on mixed layer dynamics are examined. Parameterization schemes are developed to characterize the attenuation of individual spectral components of total solar radiation, and the refraction of'direct solar radiation. The effect of these parameterizations on mixed layer processes is evaluated analytically and numerically. A one-dimensional mixed layer model is used to examine the sensitivity of predicted mixed layer thermal structure to individual parameterizations. The thermal structure differences that result over long and short periods using the different parameterizations show that the accuracy of mixed layer predictions is significantly affected by the method used to describe the penetration of solar radiation into the ocean.