Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Numerical Simulation of Boundary Layer Structure and Cross-Equatorial Flow in the Eastern Pacific

R. Justin Small International Pacific Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii

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Shang-Ping Xie International Pacific Research Center and Department of Meteorology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii

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Yuqing Wang International Pacific Research Center and Department of Meteorology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii

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Steven K. Esbensen College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

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Dean Vickers College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

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Print Publication:
01 Jun 2005
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JAS3433.1
Page(s):
1812–1830
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Abstract

Recent observations from spaceborne microwave sensors have revealed detailed structure of the surface flow over the equatorial eastern Pacific in the boreal fall season. A marked acceleration of surface wind across the northern sea surface temperature (SST) front of the cold tongue is a prominent feature of the regional climate. Previous studies have attributed the acceleration to the effect of enhanced momentum mixing over the warmer waters. A high-resolution numerical model is used to examine the cross-frontal flow adjustment. In a comprehensive comparison, the model agrees well with many observed features of cross-equatorial flow and boundary layer structure from satellite, Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) moorings, and the recent Eastern Pacific Investigation of Climate Processes (EPIC) campaign. In particular, the model simulates the acceleration across the SST front, and the change from a stable to unstable boundary layer. Analysis of the model momentum budget indicates that the hydrostatic pressure gradient, set up in response to the SST gradient, drives the surface northward acceleration. Because of thermal advection by the mean southerly flow, the pressure gradient is located downstream of the SST gradient and consequently, divergence occurs over the SST front, as observed by satellite. Pressure gradients also act to change the vertical shear of the wind as the front is crossed. However, the model underpredicts the changes in vertical wind shear across the front, relative to the EPIC observations. It is suggested that the vertical transfer of momentum by mixing, a mechanism described by Wallace et al. may also act to enhance the change in shear in the observations, but the model does not simulate this effect. Reasons for this are discussed.

Corresponding author address: Dr. R. Justin Small, International Pacific Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, 2525 Correa Rd., University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822. Email: small@hawaii.edu

Abstract

Recent observations from spaceborne microwave sensors have revealed detailed structure of the surface flow over the equatorial eastern Pacific in the boreal fall season. A marked acceleration of surface wind across the northern sea surface temperature (SST) front of the cold tongue is a prominent feature of the regional climate. Previous studies have attributed the acceleration to the effect of enhanced momentum mixing over the warmer waters. A high-resolution numerical model is used to examine the cross-frontal flow adjustment. In a comprehensive comparison, the model agrees well with many observed features of cross-equatorial flow and boundary layer structure from satellite, Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) moorings, and the recent Eastern Pacific Investigation of Climate Processes (EPIC) campaign. In particular, the model simulates the acceleration across the SST front, and the change from a stable to unstable boundary layer. Analysis of the model momentum budget indicates that the hydrostatic pressure gradient, set up in response to the SST gradient, drives the surface northward acceleration. Because of thermal advection by the mean southerly flow, the pressure gradient is located downstream of the SST gradient and consequently, divergence occurs over the SST front, as observed by satellite. Pressure gradients also act to change the vertical shear of the wind as the front is crossed. However, the model underpredicts the changes in vertical wind shear across the front, relative to the EPIC observations. It is suggested that the vertical transfer of momentum by mixing, a mechanism described by Wallace et al. may also act to enhance the change in shear in the observations, but the model does not simulate this effect. Reasons for this are discussed.

Corresponding author address: Dr. R. Justin Small, International Pacific Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, 2525 Correa Rd., University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822. Email: small@hawaii.edu

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