A three‐dimensional primitive‐equation model for application to the nearshore surf zone has been developed. This model, an extension of the Princeton Ocean Model (POM), predicts the wave‐averaged circulation forced by breaking waves. All of the features of the original POM are retained in the extended model so that applications can...
As part of a program to improve understanding of the dynamics of the complicated, vigorous eddy and jet flow fields recently observed over the continental shelf and slope, we investigate the potential of intermediate models for use in both process and data assimilation studies of these flows. Intermediate models incorporate...
Motivated by the general objective of pursuing oceanographic process and data assimilation studies of the complex, nonlinear eddy and jet current fields observed over the continental shelf and slope off the west coast of the United States, we investigate the use of intermediate models for that purpose. Intermediate models contain...
Time-dependent upwelling on the Oregon continental shelf is studied with a two-dimensional approximation, that is, spatial variations across-shelf and with depth, using the Blumberg–Mellor, finite-difference, stratified, primitive equation model. The time-dependent response of a coastal ocean at rest to constant, upwelling favorable, wind stress is examined. Topography and stratification representative...
Intermediate models contain physics between that in the primitive equations and that in the quasigeostrophic equations. The specific objective here is to investigate the absolute and relative accuracy of several intermediate models for stratified flow by a comparison of numerical finite-difference solutions with those of the primitive equations (PE) and...
Time-dependent downwelling on the Oregon continental shelf is studied with a two-dimensional approximation, that is, spatial variations across shelf and with depth, using the Blumberg-Mellor, finite-difference, stratified, hydrostatic, primitive equation model. The time-dependent response of a coastal ocean at rest to constant, downwelling-favorable wind stress is examined. Topography and stratification...
The study of intermediate models for barotropic continental shelf and slope flow fields initiated in Parts I and II is continued. The objective is to investigate the possible use of intermediate models for process and data assimilation studies of nonlinear mesoscale eddy and jet current fields over the continental shelf...
Model studies of two-dimensional, time-dependent, wind-forced, stratified downwelling circulation on the continental shelf have shown that the near-bottom offshore flow can develop time- and space-dependent fluctuations involving spatially periodic separation and reattachment of the bottom boundary layer and accompanying recirculation cells. Based primarily on the observation that the potential vorticity...
A test of the scaling of the extent of the thinnest vertical temperature gradients, in the near-bottom
boundary layer on the Oregon shelf, shows that the Batchelor wave number determines the cutoff wave
number in vertical temperature gradient spectra. In combination with previous results, in other words,
this test shows...
Tests of a formula derived for the cutoff wave number of vertical temperature gradient spectra, using
data taken in the upper layers of the North Pacific, show encouraging results. To derive this formula, the
cutoff wave number is assumed to be the Batchelor wave number, with kinetic energy dissipation calculated...