Parameterization of mixed layer eddies. III: Implementation and impact in global ocean climate simulations

• Published in: Ocean Modelling
• Main Authors: Fox-Kemper, B., Danabasoglu, G., Griffies, S.M., Hallberg, R.W., Holland, M.M., Maltrud, Mathew, Peacock, S., Samuels, B.L., Ferrari, Raffaele
• Other Authors: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2010
• Subjects: Sea ice
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/99135

A parameterization for the restratification by finite-amplitude, submesoscale, mixed layer eddies, formulated as an overturning streamfunction, has been recently proposed to approximate eddy fluxes of density and other tracers. Here, the technicalities of implementing the parameterization in the coarse-resolution ocean component of global climate models are made explicit, and the primary impacts on model solutions of implementing the parameterization are discussed. Three global ocean general circulation models including this parameterization are contrasted with control simulations lacking the parameterization. The MLE parameterization behaves as expected and fairly consistently in models differing in discretization, boundary layer mixing, resolution, and other parameterizations. The primary impact of the parameterization is a shoaling of the mixed layer, with the largest effect in polar winter regions. Secondary impacts include strengthening the Atlantic meridional overturning while reducing its variability, reducing CFC and tracer ventilation, modest changes to sea surface temperature and air–sea fluxes, and an apparent reduction of sea ice basal melting. National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant OCE-0612143) National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant OCE-0612059) National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant OCE-0825376) National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant DMS-0855010) National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant OCE-0934737)