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Net diffusivity in ocean general circulation models with nonuniform gridsThe numerical vertical diffusivity K(num), embedded in a numerical ocean general circulation model with nonuniform vertical grid, is estimated. It is shown that in a downwelling region, K(num) is negative for a grid with grid size increasing with depth. When the grid size increment, or the downward vertical velocity, is large, K(num) may exceed the vertical diffusivity specified and may result in a negative effective vertical diffusivity. Therefore care needs to be taken to specify the vertical diffusivity in a numerical model with nonuniform grid, and a lower bound is generally imposed in order to avoid an unphysical negative value. Some possible effects of the negative effective diffusivity are discussed.
Document ID
19910057612
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Yin, F. L.
(Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean Seattle, WA, United States)
Fung, I. Y.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
June 15, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 96
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Oceanography
Accession Number
91A42235
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NOAA-NA-90RAH00073
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC5-34
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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