Decadal long simulations of mesoscale structures in the northern North Sea/Skagerrak using two ocean models |
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Authors: | Jon Albretsen Lars Petter Røed |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Marine Research, P.O. Box 1870, Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway;(2) Norwegian Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 43, Blindern, 0313 Oslo, Norway |
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Abstract: | We consider results from two 27-year-long simulation pairs derived using two different ocean models. We focus on the Skagerrak/North
Sea area. Each pair consists of the two terrain-following coordinate models ROMS and MIPOM. The first pair utilizes an eddy-permitting
grid, that is, a grid in which the Rossby radius is barely resolved. The second pair utilizes an eddy-resolving grid in which
the Rossby radius is truly resolved. The goal is to compare the quality of the two models and the two pairs. To this end we
derive statistical properties such as probability density functions and compare them with similar statistics derived from
observations. Thereby we obtain insight into whether a truly eddy-resolving model is required to realistically capture the
mesoscale statistics. We find that eddy resolution is critical to get the mesoscale statistics correct, in particular, the
strength of the current jets. Our results also indicate that the improvement gained by employing the eddy-resolving grid is
mostly due to a better resolved topography. In particular, we find that this is the case in areas exhibiting prominent topographic
features, such as the deep Norwegian Trench cutting into the heart of the northern North Sea/Skagerrak area. The results also
highlight the advantage of first performing quality assurance investigations when implementing a new model for a new area. |
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