Ocean Modeling

Initial simulations with the Princeton Ocean Model (POM), numerical model of ocean circulation adapted for a Silicon Graphics workstation, produce velocity fields forced by analytically prescribed surface wind stress and subsurface density fields over idealized bottom topography.

The seasonal Ekman and barotropic circulation of the North Pacific Ocean have been simulated with the POM. These reproduce qualitatively the basin’s known, large-scale features. The model has been used to simulate the seasonal cycle of the transport and differences between decadal averages for the periods 1966-75 and 1977-86. A Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA-NMFS) Administrative Report by Monterey et al. (1999) summarizes the model development and output.