Increasing model resolution improves but overestimates global mid-depth circulation simulation
Abstract Increasing the spatial resolution in climate models has significantly improved the simulation of global upper-layer ocean circulation. However, the ability of high-resolution models to accurately reproduce mid-depth circulation, in terms of strength and direction, still remains uncertain. A...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-80152-4 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Increasing the spatial resolution in climate models has significantly improved the simulation of global upper-layer ocean circulation. However, the ability of high-resolution models to accurately reproduce mid-depth circulation, in terms of strength and direction, still remains uncertain. An analysis of 17 climate models with varying resolutions reveals that both low and high-resolution models depict weaker current speeds compared with observations. High-resolution models demonstrate improved simulations of current speed and flow direction, except in the Southern Ocean. The performance of high-resolution models in regions with strong currents is generally better than in regions with weak flows. Dynamically, increasing the model resolution enhances the representation of temporal variations in mid-depth circulation by effectively capturing mesoscale processes. However, this also results in an overestimation of their intensity by approximately 65% on average across the global ocean. |
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| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |