SGER: Parameterizing Vertical Mixing in the Ocean Component of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM)

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

Under this SGER grant, the PI will implement a physically-based parameterization of the spatially varying vertical diffusivity in the ocean component of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM). Recent observational studies show vertical mixing in the ocean can be strongly enhanced over rough bottom topography. The PI will evaluate the impact on the ocean's circulation, its heat transport and its role in climate. The work is important because it will provide strong diagnostics underpinning of simulated climate variability of the CCSM using a new physically-based scheme for diffusivity in the ocean model.