Development of a 2-way coupled ocean-wave model: assessment on a global NEMO(v3.6)-WW3(v6.02) coupled configuration

International audienceThis paper describes the implementation of a coupling between a three-dimensional ocean general circulation model (NEMO) and a wave model (WW3) to represent the interactions of the upper oceanic flow dynamics with surface waves. The focus is on the impact of such coupling on upper-ocean properties (temperature and currents) and mixed-layer depths (MLD) at global eddying scales. A generic coupling interface has been developed and the NEMO governing equations and boundary conditions have been adapted to include wave-induced terms following the approach of McWilliams et al. (2004) and Ardhuin et al. (2008). In particular, the contributions of Stokes-Coriolis, Vortex and surface pressure forces have been implemented on top of the necessary modifications of the tracer/continuity equation and turbulent closure scheme (a 1-equation TKE closure here). To assess the new developments, we perform a set of sensitivity experiments with a global oceanic configuration at 1/4° resolution coupled with a wave model configured at 1/2° resolution. Numerical simulations show a global increase of wind-stress due to the interaction with waves (via the Charnock coefficient) particularly at high latitudes, resulting in increased surface currents. The modifications brought to the TKE closure scheme and the inclusion of a parameterization for Langmuir turbulence lead to a significant increase of the mixing thus helping to deepen the MLD. This deepening is mainly located in the Southern Hemisphere and results in reduced sea-surface currents and temperatures