Numerical simulation of deep-water convection in the gulf of lion

The unsteady-state process of deep-water convection in the Gulf of Lion has been observed and investigated in recent decades. However, the mechanisms of the uncertainty and irregularity of the deep-water convection in this region have not yet been fully understood. In this study, the effects of time...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pure and applied geophysics 2007-10, Vol.164 (10), p.2101-2116
Main Authors: XIAODONG HONG, HODUR, Richard M, MARTIN, Paul J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Buoyancy
Computer simulation
Convection
Deep water
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Flux
Gulfs
Marine geology
Mathematical models
Ocean models
Studies
Winter
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Summary:The unsteady-state process of deep-water convection in the Gulf of Lion has been observed and investigated in recent decades. However, the mechanisms of the uncertainty and irregularity of the deep-water convection in this region have not yet been fully understood. In this study, the effects of time variation of the surface buoyancy flux on the formation of the deep-water convection are examined. Numerical simulations using the Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS^sup ®^) with the NRL Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) as an oceanic component were conducted for the period from October 1998 to September 2000 to cover two winters, 1998-1999 and 1999-2000, over the Gulf of Lion region. The results show large differences in the deep-water convection between the two winters, even though the total surface heat fluxes during the two winter seasons are similar. The differences are related to the time variation of the surface buoyancy flux that causes large differences in the preconditioning and mixing stages of the convection.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0033-4553
1420-9136
DOI:10.1007/s00024-007-0261-0