Results of metagnostic (system-oriented) and diagnostic (process-oriented) models
Beckers, J.-M.; Haus, J.; Nihoul, J.C.J.; Schoenauen, R. (1993). Results of metagnostic (system-oriented) and diagnostic (process-oriented) models, in: Progress in Belgian Oceanographic Research, Brussels, January 21-22, 1993. pp. 23-35 In: (1993). Progress in Belgian Oceanographic Research, Brussels, January 21-22, 1993. Royal Academy of Belgium. National Committee of Oceanology: Brussel. 287 pp., more |
| Authors | | Top | - Beckers, J.-M., more
- Haus, J.
- Nihoul, J.C.J., more
- Schoenauen, R.
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| Abstract | After a review of the Mediterranean system, and the justification of the scientific interest, we examine the type of model (scope, purview and resolution) used for the description and simulation of the Mediterranean circulation from a system-oriented view and a process-oriented view. These two aspects of mathematical simulations are then illustrated by two examples: a) The simulation of the month to month variability of the general circulation in the Western Mediterranean Sea shows the main physical features, but the choice of initial conditions is crucial for a realistic simulation, and an inverse model is proven to be absolutely necessary for a valuable prognostic model. b) Secondly, a high resolution simulation of the Algerian Current instability is performed. It is well known that the Atlantic water flows along the Algerian coast as a light water intrusion. This current is unstable, and mesoscale activities generate cyclones and anticyclones, but only the latter grow enough to get separated from the mean flow. Numerical simulations, in an idealized case, and reality show strong instabilities that are analyzed by energy budgets. It is suggested that the instabilities are primarily baroclinic, which is consistent with initial vertical movements at the front. |
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