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1/f model for long-time memory of the ocean surface temperature.
Klaus Fraedrich1, Ute Luksch, Richard Blender
1Meteorologisches Institut, Universität Hamburg, Bundesstrasse 55, D-20146 Hamburg, Germany.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|November 5, 2004
Summary
Ocean surface temperature 1/f spectrum in midlatitudes is explained by a vertical diffusion model. This model incorporates a shallow mixed layer and deep ocean, revealing the role of ocean advection and thermal diffusivity.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Climate Science
- Geophysics
Background:
- The 1/f spectrum is a common characteristic of natural phenomena, including ocean surface temperature fluctuations.
- Understanding the drivers of this spectrum is crucial for climate modeling and predicting ocean behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the observed 1/f spectrum of ocean surface temperature in the Atlantic and Pacific midlatitudes.
- To investigate the influence of vertical diffusion, mixed layer depth, and ocean advection on temperature spectra.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a simple vertical diffusion model.
- Forcing the model with total surface heat flux data from a 1000-year climate simulation.
- Analysis of model outputs to identify spectral characteristics and contributing factors.
Main Results:
- The vertical diffusion model successfully reproduces the 1/f spectrum of ocean surface temperature.
- The model highlights the significant role of ocean advection in shaping temperature variability.
- The study provides substantiated estimates for internal thermal diffusivities.
Conclusions:
- A simple vertical diffusion model with a shallow mixed layer over a deep ocean can explain the 1/f temperature spectrum.
- Ocean advection is a key process influencing midlatitude ocean temperature dynamics.
- The findings support and refine estimates of oceanic thermal diffusivity.