High Resolution Modeling of the Gulf of Mexico

摘要

An advanced high-resolution numerical ocean model is employed to investigate the dynamics and physical characteristics of the deep and shallow circulation in the Gulf of Mexico. The resolution of the ocean model (～4 km) and revolutionary hybrid vertical coordinate makes it an excellent candidate to form the ocean model core of an ocean acoustic tomography program that can provide near real-time subsurface ocean data to augment satellite data that is routinely assimilated into ocean nowcast/forecast systems. Particular attention is paid to upwelling of relatively cold water near the Yucatan Peninsula, the dynamics of cold-core cyclones and their role in the separation of Loop Current Eddies, and shelf-break processes in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.