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Sensitivity of the Mediterranean circulation to horizontal space-time-dependent tracer diffusivity field in a OGCM

TitleSensitivity of the Mediterranean circulation to horizontal space-time-dependent tracer diffusivity field in a OGCM
Publication TypeArticolo su Rivista peer-reviewed
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsRupolo, V., Babiano A., Artale V., and Iudicone D.
JournalNuovo Cimento della Societa Italiana di Fisica C
Volume26
Pagination387-415
ISSN20374909
Abstract

The sensitivity of the Mediterranean circulation to the variability of the horizontal mixing is investigated using a Bryan-Cox-type general circulation model (OGCM). Attention is focused on a parameterisation of mixing previously developed in the context of two-dimensional turbulence, that is for the first time implemented in a OGCM. This parameterisation is suitable for velocity fields characterised by the presence of geostrophic coherent structures, and it is a direct application of the well-known Taylor's dispersion relation. Theoretical and experimental justifications of the parameterisation are discussed and results from four numerical experiments, with different tracer mixing schemes, are presented. In particular, it is shown that the proposed diffusivity parameterisation improves the tracers transport due to large eddy dynamics and, ensuring a more correct salt budget in the north western part of the basin, contributes to maintain a realistic vertical stratification and winter deep convection in long climatic integrations.

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URLhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0242710699&partnerID=40&md5=062650c7762f682de03b3e82c2009d82
Citation KeyRupolo2003387