Downscaling large-scale Ocean-basin solutions in coastal tri-dimensional hydrodynamic models. Riflet, G. Ph.D. Thesis, 2010.
Downscaling large-scale Ocean-basin solutions in coastal tri-dimensional hydrodynamic models [pdf]Paper  abstract   bibtex   
The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the quality of open boundary conditions of regional Ocean models downscaled in large-scale Ocean basin solutions by calculating the Okubo-Weiss parameter, which qualifies the type of flow. The scope of the open boundary conditions evaluation encompasses schematic test-cases as well as realistic regional Ocean models. The test-cases consist in a gaussian elevation release, a freshwater cylin- der, a schematic upwelling situation (to be implemented) and regional Ocean models of Western Iberia and the bay of Biscay, both forced with realistic conditions. A two-level, one-way nesting experiment was considered. The idea is to provide an unbounded reference solution to compare with the nested model and to provide adequate external forcing when required. A shallow waters equations numerical model was developed for the schematic experiments, whereas the hydrodynamic model, MOHID, was used for the regional applications. It was found that systematic flow-type inversions tend to occur near the open boundaries, even in situations where the unbounded reference solution displays monotonic flow types at the same location. The Okubo-Weiss cri- terion is arguably found by this thesis to provide an objective measurement of the performance of the open-boundary condition. The downscaling methodology applied to the regional applications yields robust results, capable of sustaining an operational system for regional Ocean forecasts. i

Downloads: 0