Journal of Physical Oceanography · 1997 · 284 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesEarth SciencesOceanographyOcean CirculationOcean ModelingPhysical OceanographyBiogeochemical Ocean ModelingCoastal Ocean ModelingHydrometeorological ModelingBottom Boundary Layer ProcessesCoastal Climate StudiesDownslope FlowsOcean Boundary Layer ModelingOcean Circulation ModelsOcean General CirculationSpreading Of Bottom WaterTracer Based Ocean Circulation Modeling
A new technique for incorporating processes of near-bottom tracer transport over sloping topography in geopotential-coordinate ocean circulation models is presented. It is based on a “hybrid” approach, coupling a simple terrain-following bottom boundary layer model to the standard ocean general circulation model. Tests in simplified configurations show enhanced downslope spreading of passive and active (density) tracers. The method is helpful for both coarse-resolution global climate studies and biogeochemical coastal modeling studies.