Validation of the SatGEM Velocity Dataset using Argo Data ...

• Main Author: Roach, Christopher
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: University Of Tasmania 2023
• Subjects: Southern Ocean
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25959/23237717.v1; https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Validation_of_the_SatGEM_Velocity_Dataset_using_Argo_Data/23237717/1

The 4D SatGEM velocity model of the Southern Ocean has been derived from satellite altimetry and a Gravest Empirical Mode (GEM) model of temperature and salinity. The validity of the SatGEM model is assessed in this study by numerical forward modelling of Argo float trajectories through the 4D velocity fields. Univariate statistical analysis of simulated and actual path lengths, together with analysis of the misfit between simulated and actual surfacing positions, suggests that the SatGEM model provides an adequate representation of the gross features of the Southern Ocean. However, on a local scale there is significant variability in misfit due to a combination of statistical fluctuations, the limited SatGEM model resolution and complex local velocity fields. A high proportion of large relative misfit cycles are apparent for short Argo path lengths suggesting that the Argo float trajectories in these areas may be strongly influenced by complex small-scale flow features that cannot be adequately resolved in ...