Performance of CMIP6 models in simulating the dynamic sea level: Mean and interannual variance

Observational data from satellite altimetry were used to quantify the performance of CMIP6 models in simulating the climatological mean and interannual variance of the dynamic sea level (DSL) over 40°S–40°N. In terms of the mean state, the models generally agree well with observations, and high consistency is apparent across different models. The largest bias and model discrepancy is located in the subtropical North Atlantic. As for simulation of the interannual variance, good agreement can be seen across different models, yet the models present a relatively low agreement with observations. The simulations show much weaker variance than observed, and bias is apparent over the subtropics in association with strong western boundary currents. This nearshore bias is reduced considerably in HighResMIP models. The underestimation of DSL interannual variance is at least partially due to the misrepresentation of ocean processes in the CMIP6 historical simulation with its relatively low resolution. The results identify directions for future model development towards a better understanding of the mean and interannual variability of DSL.摘要本研究采用卫星测高数据与第六次国际耦合模式比较计划 (CMIP6) 海平面动力进行对比, 重点针对40°S–40°N地区的动力海平面 (DSL) , 评估了模式对其平均态与年际变率的综合模拟能力. 结果表明, 对于DSL平均态的模拟, 模式与观测结果非常吻合, 模式之间的差异较小. 其中, 副热带北大西洋是模拟偏差和模式间差异较为显著的区域. 对于DSL年际变率的模拟, 模式之间保持较高的一致性, 但是, 模式与观测结果存在明显差异, 模式普遍低估了DSL的年际方差; 其中, 误差大值区域出现在副热带西边界流附近. 模式分辨率会影响CMIP6对中小尺度海洋过程的重现能力, 这可能是导致CMIP6历史模拟出现误差的原因之一.