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A regional nested Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model of the Agulhas Current system
Bjorn C. Backeberg, Laurent Bertino, Johnny A. Johannessen, Chris J. Reason
University of Cape Town, Mohn-Sverdrup Center
(Abstract received 05/11/2007 for session X)
ABSTRACT
Towards enhancing the understanding of the ocean dynamics, specifically of the mesoscale dynamics and eddy evolving processes, in the Agulhas Current system, a regional nested Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model is used in combination with satellite observations and in-situ measurements. In so doing the importance and impacts of applying advanced numerical schemes, together with fine model grid resolution and improved model parameterization in HYCOM will be examined. Results of a long-term simulation experiment of HYCOM are validated against available satellite and in-situ observations. In particular the results highlight the importance of realistic transports at the open boundaries / source regions of the Agulhas Current, as well as the length of spin-up period and their influence on the dynamics of the retroflection of the Agulhas Current. The capability to model the extremely energetic Agulhas Current system is of notable importance in developing operational oceanography in South Africa.
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2007 LOM Workshop, Bergen, Norway, August 20-22, 2007