Simulation of more realistic upper-ocean processes from an OGCM with a new ocean mixed layer model

Abstract

A new ocean mixed layer model (OMLM) was embedded into an ocean general circulation model (OGCM) with the aim of providing an OGCM that is ideal for application to a climate model by predicting the sea surface temperature (SST) more accurately. The results from the new OMLM showed a significant improvement in the prediction of SST compared to the cases of constant vertical mixing and the vertical mixing scheme by Pacanowski and Philander. More accurate prediction of the SST from the new OMLM reduces the magnitude of the restoring term in the surface heat flux and thus provides a simulated ocean that can be coupled to the atmospheric general circulation model more naturally. The new OMLM was also shown to improve various other features of the OGCM such as the mixed layer depth and the equatorial circulation.