A hybrid vertical mixing scheme and its application to tropical ocean models

Abstract

The scheme is based jointly on the Kraus-Turner-type mixed layer model and Price's dynamical instability model. The scheme is computationally efficient and is capable of simulating wind stirring, shear instability, and convective overturning. The hybrid scheme is first tested in a one-dimensional model against the Kraus-Turner-type bulk mixed layer model and the Mellor-Yamada level 2.5 (MY2.5) turbulence closure model. As compared with those two models, the hybrid model behaves more reasonably in both idealized experiments and realistic simulations. The hybrid scheme is then implemented in a three-dimensional model of the tropical Pacific Ocean. This leads to an improved simulation of the large-scale equatorial circulation. -from Authors