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Comparison of simulated NADW to observations
Xiaobiao Xu, William Schmitz Jr., Harley E. Hurlburt, Eric P. Chassignet
USM
(Abstract received 05/12/2009 for session X)
ABSTRACT
Numerical outputs from a high-resolution, basin-scale simulation are compared to observations to evaluate the representation of the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) in HYCOM. The simulation shows about 3 and 2 Sv of dense water flowing out the Nordic Seas through the Denmark Strait (DSOW) and the Faroe Bank Channel (ISOW), and the volume transport increases to about 10 Sv across the Labrador Sea. Only part of this dense water flows around the Grand Banks and exports to subtropical North Atlantic Ocean, however, the remaining either recirculates in the Labrador and Irminger Seas or exports to the eastern basin through the southern channel of the CGFZ. As a result, NADW east of Abaco is weaker than observed, especially for the deepest part. The main issues are 1) fresher and lighter DSOW (and thus the water conversion in the Nordic Sea; 2) Lack of Antarctic bottom water (AABW) contribution; and 3) weaker deep convection in Labrador Sea (partially due to the surface forcing).
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2009 LOM Workshop, Miami, Florida Jume 1 - 3, 2009