Modeling Deep & Bottom Water Formation Along the Continental Margin of the Western Weddell Sea Based on Ice Station Weddell Data

该项目是对西威德尔海大陆边缘深水和底水形成过程的模拟研究。它将以现有的三维原始方程模型(所谓的半谱原始方程模型，简称SPEM)为基础，该模型已被证明在沿海环流研究中取得了成功。在1992年占领威德尔冰站期间所做的直接观测将被用来初始化、强制和诊断模型结果。对模型的修改将允许包括由于冰的冻结和融化(表面浮力通量)、海冰动力学和海洋/冰架相互作用而引起的海水密度的变化。这项研究的预期结果是模拟现有的水团特征、它们的时空演变以及威德尔海的区域环流。还可以根据模拟结果对模式参数和参数化方案、外部强迫强度和初始条件变化的敏感性来评估模式本身。这一结果将检验现有的威德尔海西南部深水和底水形成理论。

This project is a modeling study of the deep and bottom water formation process along the continental margin of the Western Weddell Sea. It will be based on an existing three-dimensional primitive equation model (the so-called Semi-spectral Primitive Equation Model, or SPEM) proven successful in coastal circulation studies. Direct observations made during the occupation of Ice Station Weddell in 1992 will be used to initialize, force, and diagnose the model results. Modifications to the model will allow the inclusion of changes in sea water density due to freezing and melting of ice (surface buoyancy fluxes), sea ice dynamics, and ocean /ice-shelf interactions. Expected results from the study are the simulation of existing water mass characteristics, their spatial and temporal evolution, and the regional circulation of the Weddell Sea. It will also be possible to evaluate the model itself with respect to the sensitivity of simulated results with respect to model parameters and parameterization schemes, intensity of external forcing, and variations in initial conditions. The results will test existing theories of deep and bottom water formation for the southwestern Weddell Sea.