Simulation of the mixed-layer circulation in the Arctic Ocean

Publication Status is "Submitted" Or "In Press: 
LDEO Publication: 
Publication Type: 
Year of Publication: 
1996
Editor: 
Journal Title: 
Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans
Journal Date: 
Jan 15
Place Published: 
Tertiary Title: 
Volume: 
101
Issue: 
C1
Pages: 
1111-1128
Section / Start page: 
Publisher: 
ISBN Number: 
0148-0227
ISSN Number: 
Edition: 
Short Title: 
Accession Number: 
ISI:A1996TQ79200015
LDEO Publication Number: 
Call Number: 
Abstract: 

A numerical simulation of the mixed-layer circulation of the Arctic Ocean is presented using Oberhuher's [1993a] coupled sea ice-mixed layer-isopycnal ocean general circulation model. The model domain includes the Arctic Ocean and the Greenland-Iceland-Norwegian (GIN) Sea, The horizontal resolution is 2 degrees. The vertical is resolved using five isopycnal layers, of which the uppermost layer is a turbulent mixed layer. The sea ice is modeled using a thermodynamic-dynamic model which includes a viscous-plastic theology. Monthly climatological atmospheric forcing is used to spin up the model into a cyclostationary equilibrium. Model results are presented and discussed with respect to observational and previous modeling studies. The mixed layer shows a circulation pattern similar to that inferred from indirect observations and other modeling studies. In an attempt to determine the main driving mechanism for the mixed-layer circulation as produced by the Oberhuber model, a set of sensitivity experiments is carried out. Tn particular, the relative importance of (1) ice cover, (2) atmospheric winds, (3) surface freshwater fluxes, and (4) initialization with Levitus [1982] data is examined to determine the contribution each makes to the modeled circulation. The key conclusion is that buoyancy forcing is critical to maintaining the mixed-layer circulation.

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Tq792Times Cited:12Cited References Count:28

DOI: