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Simulating Lagrangian Subgrid-Scale Dispersion on Neutral Surfaces in the Ocean
Daan Reijnders1, Eric Deleersnijder2, Erik van Sebille1
1Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands.
Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems
|July 21, 2022
Summary
We introduce a new 3D Markov-1 model for Lagrangian dispersion, improving trajectory accuracy in ocean models. This method better represents eddy effects than traditional random walks, reducing spurious dianeutral flux.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Fluid Dynamics
- Computational Science
Background:
- Coarse-resolution ocean models require parameterizations for mesoscale turbulent eddies.
- Lagrangian dispersion is typically modeled using random walks, analogous to Eulerian diffusion.
- Previous 3D studies on Lagrangian dispersion parameterizations were limited to random walks (Markov-0).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a three-dimensional isoneutral formulation of the Markov-1 model for Lagrangian dispersion.
- To implement an anisotropic, shear-dependent random walk dispersion formulation.
- To compare the performance of Markov-1 and random walk dispersion in oceanographic simulations.
Main Methods:
- Developed a 3D isoneutral Markov-1 model.
- Implemented an anisotropic, shear-dependent random walk parameterization.
- Compared models using idealized and realistic coarse-resolution ocean model output.
Main Results:
- Markov-1 and random walk dispersion produced similar particle distributions over time in ocean model output.
- Markov-1 yielded Lagrangian trajectories more representative of eddy-resolving simulations.
- Markov-1 resulted in a reduced spurious dianeutral flux.
Conclusions:
- The 3D Markov-1 model offers improved Lagrangian trajectory representation compared to random walks in coarse ocean models.
- Markov-1 parameterization is a promising advancement for accurately simulating dispersion in oceanographic studies.
- This work advances the understanding and modeling of eddy-driven dispersion in the ocean.
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