Global ocean model

The global ocean model used under Bluelink has always been based on the GFDL Modular Ocean Model.

Specifically, we have used several versions of MOM4 for our ocean reanalyses and ocean forecasts. Initially, we added a novel mixing scheme to the model (the Chen-scheme), but this was later adopted into the core model by GFDL. Our earlier reanalysis experiments (BRAN1-BRAN3) and forecast systems (OceanMAPS version 1 & 2) used a configuration of MOM that was 1/10 degree resolution around Australia (between 90-180E and south of 20N), and was coarser elsewhere, with a domain that extended across all longitudes and between about 75S and 75N.  We later used a configuration of MOM4 that was 1/10 degree resolution for all longitudes, between 75S and 75N. This model underpinned BRAN2015-BRAN2020, and OceanMAPS version 3, and is documented by Oke et al. (2013).

For each global configuration, we put effort into ensuring we had accurate topography – particularly around narrow passages and straights – and accurate coastlines (to facilitate the initialisation and nesting of regional ocean models under ROAM).

Results

Results from the global ocean model without data assimilation have been widely used for various scientific studies that include analyses of:

• Mixed-layer dynamics (Schiller & Oke 2015)
• Eddies (Rykova et al. 2017)
• Indonesian Throughflow (Feng et al. 2017)
• Climate downscaling (Zhang et al. 2016)
• Multi-decadal ocean change (Feng et al. 2016)
• Coastal sea-level (Zhang et al. 2017)
• Leeuwin Current (Furue et al. 2017)
• Antarctic Circumpolar Current (Langlais et al. 2015)
• Tidal mixing (Schiller et al. 2013)
• South Pacific Ocean Circulation (Ganachaud et al. 2014)
• Coral Sea (Ridgway et al. 2018)
• Tasman Sea (Pilo et al. 2015)
• Biogeochemistry of the Indian Ocean (Strutten et al. 2015)
• Fisheries (Hobday et al. 2018)