Sea Surface Temperatures Computed by a Simple Ocean Mixed Layer Coupled to an Atmospheric GCM

Abstract

Natl. Cent. Atmos. Res., Boulder, CO 80307, USA J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) An ocean mixed layer with fixed depth (50 m) is coupled to a global atmospheric general circulation model (GCM). The mixed layer is a simple slab that allows for seasonal heat storage but has no dynamics (advection or diffusion). The sea surface temperatures generated by the model are compared to observations for January and July. The overall simulation of ocean temperature is reproduced even with this simple ocean model. The consequences of omitting ocean heat transport and dynamics are evidenced by adjustments mainly in the latent and sensible heat fluxes in the model. The compensations the model makes at the ocean surface to maintain the equilibrium demonstrate that this type of coupled model gives a reasonable ocean temperature distribution and is useful for climate sensitivity studies such as increasing atmospheric CO sub(2) content Ocean Technology, ...