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An upper ocean general circulation model for climate studies: global simulation with seasonal cycle

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Abstract

The global ocean circulation with a seasonal cycle has been simulated with a two-and-a-half layer upper-ocean model. This model was developed for the purpose of coupling to an atmospheric general circulation model for climate studies on decadal time scales. The horizontal resolution is 4° latitude by 5° longitude and is thus not eddy-resolving. Effects of bottom topography are neglected. In the vertical, the model resolves the oceanic mixed layer and the thermocline. A thermodynamic sea-ice model is coupled to the mixed layer. The model is forced at the surface with seasonally varying (a) observed wind stress, (b) heat fluxes, as defined by an atmospheric equilibrium temperature, and (c) Newtonian-type surface salt fluxes. The second layer is coupled to the underlying deep ocean through Newtonian-type diffusive heat and salt fluxes, convective overturning, and mass entrainment in the upwelling regions of the subpolar gyres. The overall global distributions of mixed layer temperature, salinity and thickness are favorably reproduced. Inherent limitations due to coarse horizontal resolution result in large mixed-layer temperature errors near continental boundaries and in weak current systems. Sea ice distributions agree well with observations except in the interiors of the Ross and Weddell Seas. A realistic time rate of change of heat storage is simulated. There is also realistic heat transport from low to high latitudes.

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Author notes

  1. C W Yuen

    Present address: Atmospheric Environment Service/ARAM, M3H 5T4, Downsview, Ontario, Canada

  2. J Y Cherniawsky

    Present address: Ocean Physics, Institute of Ocean Sciences, V8L 4132, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Climate and Global Change Research, H3A 2K6, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    C W Yuen, J Y Cherniawsky, C A Lin & L A Mysak

  2. Department of Meteorology, McGill University, H3A 2K6, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    C W Yuen, J Y Cherniawsky, C A Lin & L A Mysak

Authors
  1. C W Yuen
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  2. J Y Cherniawsky
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  3. C A Lin
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  4. L A Mysak
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Yuen, C.W., Cherniawsky, J.Y., Lin, C.A. et al. An upper ocean general circulation model for climate studies: global simulation with seasonal cycle. Climate Dynamics 7, 1–18 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00204817

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00204817

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