ABSTRACT

A one-dimensional model of the upper ocean is presented. The model is based on a self-similar temperature profile (called the model-profile) and features special parameterizations of forcing functions in terms of surface heat flux and wind stress. The model-profile is combined with observational data for the Pacifie Ocean to produce dynamically consistent fields of mixed-layer temperature, depth, and effective depth. The model for the upper ocean is forced with surface heat fluxes simulated by the UCLA Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM) using both climato-logical and observed sea-surface temperature (SST) for periods following the 1982-1983 ENSO event. Furthermore, the mixed-layer temperature is taken as the SST used in the AGCM. In this context, the model produces the wind forcing consistent with the prescribed mixed-layer temperatures and surface beat fluxes. lt is found that the resulting wind forcing has significant differences with that simulated by the AGCM. A method is suggested, therefore, to evaluate surface fluxes simulated by an AGCM with a view to its eventual coupling to an Oceani