Predicting the Characteristics of the Well-Mixed Layer.

Abstract : Numeric trials are made of some one-dimensional models of the time-varying density structure near the surface of the ocean. The implementations given here of the models seem much faster and simpler than previous versions. The meteorological forcing at OWS 'N' for a year is put in, and the resultant mixed-layer depths and sea-surface temperatures are found to compare well with observation, with correlations around 0.9. The results are not sensitive to grid spacing. Temperature anomalies introduced in the Spring can be covered up in the Summer, yet reappear in the Fall. Clarity of the water has important effects on the heat storage. One of the models has some particularly attractive features for implementation for operational prediction.