A conserved minimal adjustment scheme for stabilization of hydrographic profiles

Abstract

Ocean (T, S) data analysis/assimilation, conducted in the three-dimensional physical space, is a generalized average of purely observed data (data analysis) or of modeled/observed data (data assimilation). Because of the high nonlinearity of the equation of the state of the seawater and nonuniform vertical distribution of the observational profile data, false static instability may be generated. A new analytical conserved adjustment scheme has been developed on the base of conservation of heat, salt, and static stability for the whole water column with predetermined (T, S) adjustment ratios. A set of well-posed combined linear and nonlinear algebraic equations has been established and is solved using Newton's method. This new scheme can be used for ocean hydrographic data analysis and data assimilation. © 2010 American Meteorological Society.