2004 LOM Workshop

Wednesday 1:50 - 2:10 p.m.

Study of a hurricane induced coastally trapped wave using the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM)

E.J. Metzger, L.F. Zamudio, H.E. Hurlburt and P.J. Hogan
Naval Research Lab
metzger@nrlssc.navy.mil

ABSTRACT

---

The HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) has been used to study the propagation of a coastally trapped wave (CTW) along the Mexican west coast and into the Gulf of California (GoC). This wave was generated by Hurricane Juliette in September 2001. It is accurately simulated in a 1/12 degree Pacific basin version of HYCOM forced with winds from the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System. Model-data comparisons of coastal sea level at Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Guaymas, Puerto Penasco and Cabo San Lucas clearly show the propagation of the CTW. Pacific HYCOM accurately simulates the phase of the signal, but the amplitude of the CTW is too weak. Finer resolution (1/25 degree and 1/37.5 degree) versions of nested GoC HYCOM within Pacific HYCOM more accurately simulate the amplitude of the wave suggesting high horizontal resolution is required to resolve this coastal signal. Sensitivity of the CTW to atmospheric hurricane forcing is also investigated by forcing nested GoC HYCOM with FNMOC 27 km resolution Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Prediction System wind stresses.

---

LOM Users' Workshop, February 9-11, 2004