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The Representation of Bottom Boundary Layer Processes in Numerical Ocean Circulation Models

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Ocean Modeling and Parameterization

Part of the book series: NATO Science Series ((ASIC,volume 516))

Abstract

Processes in the oceanic bottom boundary layer (BBL) have received much less attention in ocean modeling than surface mixed layer processes. Since the ocean is mainly driven from the surface, high vertical resolution is traditionally placed in the upper ocean. Consequently, the only effect of the lower boundary was considered to be its effect as a sink for momentum and energy. But BBLs are also the place for enhanced diapycnal mixing (especially over steep and rough topography), wind-driven cross-slope transports of tracers and particles (including sediment), and last but not least, gravity-driven dense water spreading. Thus, they play an important role for both local and large-scale ocean dynamics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany

    Aike Beckmann

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  1. Aike Beckmann
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

    Eric P. Chassignet

  2. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire des Écoulements Géophysiques et Industriels, Grenoble, France

    Jacques Verron

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© 1998 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Beckmann, A. (1998). The Representation of Bottom Boundary Layer Processes in Numerical Ocean Circulation Models. In: Chassignet, E.P., Verron, J. (eds) Ocean Modeling and Parameterization. NATO Science Series, vol 516. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5096-5_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5096-5_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-7923-5229-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-5096-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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