Modelling

In order to understand the spatial scales in the ocean that contribute to the atmosphere-ocean carbon exchange in the Southern Ocean, SOCCO uses a hierarchy of model configurations and model classes.

Processes and exchange in the upper ocean, are examined using the NEMO ocean modelling platform which includes coupled ocean, ice and biogeochemical models. A reference suite of varying resolution configurations that can address spatial scales have been produced: ranging from global coarse-resolution (2º) through regional mesoscale-resolving  (1/2º, 1/4º, 1/12º) to submesoscale-permitting localised regions (< 1/36º). The latter configuration corresponds to the domain of the high-resolution in situ sampling campaign of SOSCEX. This set of configurations form the baseline for sensitivity studies, further experimentation and model development.

Additionally, SOCCO uses the current generation of IPCC earth system model outputs for analysis.

Using these models as tools, researchers and students are able to understand processes and compare them to observations. These may help account for the differences between observations and the models that are used in long-term climate prediction.

  • BP12 UV currents
  • BS05 model
  • Global ocean-ice-biogeochemistry configuration ORCA2, January-mean SST.
  • EKE for the regional 0.5 degree ocean-ice model configuration (SATLANTIC05).
  • EKE for the regional 1/12 degree ocean-ice model configuration (SATLANTIC12).
Related News and Publications

In order to understand the spatial scales in the ocean that contribute to the atmosphere-ocean carbon exchange in the Southern Ocean, SOCCO uses a hierarchy of model configurations and model classes.

Processes and exchange in the upper ocean, are examined using the NEMO ocean modelling platform which includes coupled ocean, ice and biogeochemical models. A reference suite of varying resolution configurations that can address spatial scales have been produced: ranging from global coarse-resolution (2º) through regional mesoscale-resolving  (1/2º, 1/4º, 1/12º) to submesoscale-permitting localised regions (< 1/36º). The latter configuration corresponds to the domain of the high-resolution in situ sampling campaign of SOSCEX. This set of configurations form the baseline for sensitivity studies, further experimentation and model development.

Additionally, SOCCO uses the current generation of IPCC earth system model outputs for analysis.

Using these models as tools, researchers and students are able to understand processes and compare them to observations. These may help account for the differences between observations and the models that are used in long-term climate prediction.