Two-Layer Ocean Circulation Model with Variational Control of Turbulent Viscosity Coefficient

Abstract

The development of a variational method for solving the problem of quasi-geostrophic dynamics in a two-layer periodic channel is considered. The development of the method is as follows. First, the formulation of the variational problem is generalized: the turbulent exchange coefficient of a quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity (QGPV) is included in the control vector. Secondly, the solution area more accurately describes the size of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). Using the selection of linear meridional transport and the expansion of the solution in a Fourier series, the problem is reduced to a nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in time. The doubly connected domain leads to the fact that the solution of the ODE must satisfy an additional stationary relation that determines the transport of the ACC. The variational algorithm is reduced to solving a system of forward and adjoint equations minimizing the mean squared error of the stationary relation. The QGPV turbulent exchange coefficient is determined in the process of solving the optimal problem. The numerical runs are carried out for a periodic channel simulating the water area of the ACC in the Southern Ocean. The characteristics of stationary current regimes are studied for different values of the model parameters. Typical is a sinusoidal circulation in both layers with a linear transfer with the wind, depending on the bottom topography. In some cases, under the sinusoidal, in the lower layer, a cellular circulation is formed, and sometimes an undercurrent occurs. In this case, the solution of the optimal problem is characterized by a low value of the turbulent viscosity coefficient and a low transport in the lower layer.