Impact of a New Wave Mixing Scheme on Ocean Dynamics in Typhoon Conditions: A Case Study of Typhoon In-Fa (2021)

Abstract

Wave-induced mixing can enhance vertical mixing in the upper ocean, facilitating the exchange of heat and momentum between the surface and deeper layers, thereby influencing ocean circulation and climate patterns. Building on previous research, this study proposes a wave-induced mixing parameterization scheme (referred to as EXP3) specifically designed for typhoon periods. This scheme was integrated into the fully coupled ocean–wave–atmosphere model COAWST and applied to analyze Typhoon In-Fa (2021) as a case study. The simulation results were validated against publicly available data, demonstrating a good overall match with observed phenomena. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was conducted between the EXP3 scheme, the previous scheme (EXP2) and the original model scheme (EXP1). Validation against Argo and Drifter buoy data revealed that both EXP2 and EXP3, which include wave-induced mixing effects, resulted in a decrease in the simulated mixed layer depth (MLD) and mixed layer temperature (MLT), with EXP3 showing closer alignment with the observed data. Compared to the other two experiments, EXP3 enhanced vertical motion in the ocean due to intensified wave-induced mixing, leading to increased upper-layer water divergence and upwelling, a decrease in sea surface temperature and accelerated rightward deflection of surface currents. This phenomenon not only altered the temperature structure of the ocean surface layer but also significantly impacted the regional ocean dynamics.