Simulation of diurnal variability in vertical density structure using a coupled model.

Area of Science:

• Oceanography
• Physical Oceanography
• Ocean Acoustic Propagation

Background:

• Diurnal variations in ocean physical properties are significant in the surface mixed layer and pycnocline.
• Accurate ocean density profiles are crucial for understanding acoustic fields and naval operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To couple the Price-Weller-Pinkel model and an internal wave model to simulate diurnal density variability.
• To validate the coupled model's simulations against in-situ observations in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.
• To assess the model's capability for simulating spatial variability and initializing simulations with 3D model outputs.

Main Methods:

• Coupling the Price-Weller-Pinkel model (surface mixed layer modification) with an internal wave model (Garrett-Munk spectra).
• Simulating hourly density variations using the coupled model at RAMA buoy and BD12.
• Validating model simulations with in-situ observational data from December 2013 to November 2014.
• Testing an integrated model approach using 3D model outputs for initialization.

Main Results:

• The coupled model successfully simulated diurnal variations in temperature, salinity, and density profiles.
• Simulations showed promising accuracy when validated against observational data.
• The model demonstrated the ability to simulate spatial variability in diurnal density changes.
• The integrated model approach proved effective for initializing simulations.

Conclusions:

• The coupled ocean model accurately captures diurnal density variability in the study regions.
• The model's ability to simulate spatial variability enhances its utility.
• Validated simulations provide a foundation for predicting acoustic fields and propagation losses for naval applications.