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Model intercomparison in the Mediterranean: MEDMEX simulations of the seasonal cycle
Beckers, J.-M.; Rixen, M.; Brasseur, P.; Brankart, J.-M.; Elmoussaoui, A.; Crepon, M.; Herbaut, C.; Martel, F.; Van den Berghe, F.; Mortier, L.; Lascaratos, A.; Drakopoulos, P.; Korres, G.; Nittis, K.; Pinardi, N.; Masetti, E.; Castellar, S.; Carini, P.; Tintore, J.; Alvarez, A.; Monserrat, S.; Parrilla, D.; Vautard, R.; Speich, S. (2002). Model intercomparison in the Mediterranean: MEDMEX simulations of the seasonal cycle. J. Mar. Syst. 33: 215-251. dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0924-7963(02)00060-X
In: Journal of Marine Systems. Elsevier: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; Amsterdam. ISSN 0924-7963; e-ISSN 1879-1573, more
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Mediterranean; MEDMEX; seasonal cycle
Authors  Top 
  • Beckers, J.-M., more
  • Rixen, M., more
  • Brasseur, P.
  • Brankart, J.-M.
  • Elmoussaoui, A.
  • Crepon, M.
  • Herbaut, C.
  • Martel, F.
  • Van den Berghe, F.
  • Mortier, L.
  • Lascaratos, A.
  • Drakopoulos, P., more
  • Korres, G.
  • Nittis, K., more
  • Pinardi, N.
  • Masetti, E.
  • Castellar, S.
  • Carini, P.
  • Tintore, J.
  • Alvarez, A.
  • Monserrat, S.
  • Parrilla, D.
  • Vautard, R.
  • Speich, S.
Abstract
    The simulation of the seasonal cycle in the Mediterranean by several primitive equation models is presented. All models were forced with the same atmospheric data, which consists in either a monthly averaged wind-stress with sea surface relaxation towards monthly mean sea surface temperature and salinity fields, or by daily variable European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) reanalysed wind-stress and heat fluxes. In both situations models used the same grid resolution. Results of the modelling show that the model behaviour is similar when the most sensitive parameter, vertical diffusion, is calibrated properly. It is shown that an unrealistic climatic drift must be expected when using monthly averaged forcing functions. When using daily forcings, drifts are modified and more variability observed, but when performing an EOF analysis of the sea surface temperature, it is shown that the basic cycle, represented similarly by the models, consists of the seasonal cycle which accounts for more than 90% of its variability.
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