Modeling the Pacific Ocean

Abstract

Two numerical models utilizing primitive equations (two momentum equations and a mass continuity equation) simulate the oceanography of the Pacific Ocean from 20°S to 50°N. Results show Kelvin waves thousands of kilometers long propagating from the equator to the northeast Pacific Ocean. Kelvin waves are very long waves that propagate along the equator and along solid boundaries with the boundary to their right. They are important to simulations of ocean circulation along the North American coast because they carry information at seasonal and longer periods from the equator poleward. Modeling an extensive region such as the Pacific Ocean with adequate two-dimensional resolution places heavy demands on computer memory and storage. We have found that the best way to examine the abundant model data is through visualization, by animating the appro priate model fields and viewing the time history of each model simulation as a color movie. The animations are used as research products to aid our understanding of ocean circulation. Several animations are reproduced in the accompanying video.