Eddy Transport in the Ocean: Analysis and Parameterization

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Plumb 0095595 This project is aimed at the development of a closed theoretical formalism for the analysis and modeling of time-mean flows in the presence of eddies. On the assumption of balanced flow, the approach is focused on eddy transport of potential vorticity and of tracers. Balance assumptions will allow necessary approximations to be made in the divergence (or momentum) budgets in order to close the entire system of equations around a single parameterization for the transport of potential vorticity and of tracers. It is intended that this work will produce not only a scheme for the parameterization of eddy transports in global ocean models, but also a set of conceptual tools for the analysis of the ocean circulation. Eddy resolving models will be used to guide the theoretical development, and to provide testbeds against which to compare results from lower resolution models with parameterized eddies.