Investigation of the Dynamics of the Caribbean Sea Using Numerical Ocean Models and Observational Data
Abstract
Many aspects of the physical oceanography of the Caribbean Sea have been studied. However, beyond a basic understanding based on Sverdrup theory, minimal progress has been made toward illuminating details of the controlling dynamics and forcing mechanisms of the circulation within this important Atlantic Ocean marginal sea. In the absence of sufficiently dense spatial and temporal observations, a strategy for understanding the circulation dynamics of the Caribbean Sea is to employ a numerical ocean circulation model or a series of numerical ocean models. Such models provide a synoptic depiction of the circulation. In addition, results from long (multi-decadal) simulations can be used to calculate robust temporal statistics for the entire Caribbean Sea. Confidence in the model results is proportional to the degree of realism achieved, as determined by comparisons of the model results with available observations or comparisons to expected results based on theoretical considerations. New observations used in conjunction with a realistic ocean model have led to the first comprehensive description of the annual mean and seasonal cycle of the inflow distribution through the passages connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. Several configurations of the NRL Layered Ocean Model (NLOM) plus a new HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) have been used to investigate the dynamics of the circulation of the Caribbean Sea. The NLOM horizontal grid resolution ranges from {1/4}o to {1/32}o with 5 to 7 layers in the vertical for model domains that are regional, basin and global in scope. The resolution of the HYCOM model ranges from {0.32}o to {0.08}o horizontally and it contains 22 layers in the vertical. Both linear and nonlinear configurations of these models are used to determine the factors contributing to the circulation of the Caribbean Sea. Findings support the current basic understanding of the Caribbean circulation while also providing additional information. The contribution of the large-scale wind-driven flow in the Atlantic and the impact of the Atlantic meridional overturning cell (MOC) are reinforced. A more detailed picture emerges after examining the effects of model grid resolution and coastline geometry representation, the sensitivity to atmospheric forcing, the impact of North Brazil Current eddies, the relative contributions of remote and local forcing, and the variability and influence of the eddy fields on the overall circulation.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2001
- Bibcode:
- 2001AGUFMOS51B0482T
- Keywords:
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- 4215 Climate and interannual variability (3309);
- 4223 Descriptive and regional oceanography;
- 4243 Marginal and semienclosed seas;
- 4255 Numerical modeling