Record Details
Numerical studies of mesoscale eddies using quasigeostrophic and primitive equation ocean models
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Numerical studies of mesoscale eddies using quasigeostrophic and primitive equation ocean models |
| Names |
Batteen, Mary L.
(creator) Holland, William R. (advisor) Han, Young-June (advisor) |
| Date Issued | 1984-04-30 (iso8601) |
| Note | Graduation date: 1984 |
| Abstract | The dynamical role of mesoscale eddies in the ocean general circulation is investigated using eddy-resolving quasigeostrophic (QG) and primitive equation (FE) models which are parametrically identical. The results of both QG and FE numerical experiments in mid-latitude, rectangular ocean basins are systematically intercompared and extensively analyzed in terms of basic quantities: energetics, relative and potential vorticity, and eddy momentum and heat transports. Although overall the analyses show that the results are fairly similar between the two models, a closer examination reveals some significant differences. Most of these differences are due to the presence of Kelvin waves along the lateral boundaries of the PE model. These waves are the main source for mean and eddy divergent kinetic energy. Further model parameter studies are needed to determine whether the presence of these Kelvin waves is due to numerics, physics, or a combination of the two, and if the two-day sampling rate commonly used for obtaining eddy statistics significantly aliases these high frequency waves. |
| Genre | Thesis/Dissertation |
| Topic | Ocean-atmosphere interaction -- Mathematical models |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/29237 |
