NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Analysis of a general circulation model. II - Distribution of kinetic energy in the South Atlantic and Kuroshio/Oyashio systemsIt was found (Garzoli et al., 1992) that the general circulation model of Semtner and Chervin (1992) provides accurate descriptions of the Brazil-Malvinas and the Kuroshio/Oyashio confluence systems, except for the fact that the model prediction shows less variability than that present in observations. This paper investigates the problem of model variability by analyzing the mean and the eddy kinetic energy from the model and comparing the values with the Geosat altimeter observations for the South Atlantic Ocean and for the Kuroshio system. It is found that, while the model shows transient eddy activity in the areas that overlap the Geosat observations, the energy level of the model transient motions is considerably smaller following an arch along the bottom topography. The same was found from the comparisons made with values obtained from FGGE and surface drifters. It is suggested that the model is poorly resolving instabilities in the confluence front, and is not resolving other transients appearing in regions of marked topography.
Document ID
19930037339
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Garraffo, Zulema
(Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory, Palisades; NASA, Goddard Inst. for Space Studies New York, United States)
Garzoli, Silvia L.
(NASA Goddard Inst. for Space Studies New York, NY, United States)
Haxby, William
(Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory Palisades, United States)
Olson, Donald
(Miami Univ. FL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
December 15, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 97
Issue: C12
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Oceanography
Accession Number
93A21336
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: N00014-90-J-1092
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC5-29
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1925
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF OCE-87-11529
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF OCE-91-02541
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available