Validation of Parameterization Scheme for Eddy Diffusion from Satellite Data

Abstract

The eddy diffusion coefficient Kyy has been calculated using LIMS data for the months of December 1978 and January and February 1979. Two methods have been used. The first implements the suggestion made by Tung (1987) to parameterize the eddy transport as a diffusive process along isentropes. The second method integrates the equation relating the parcel displacements to the eddy velocity fields. The latter method uses a filtering on both space and time domains to isolate transients and is referred to as the ?spectral method.? Results from the first method are shown to be reliable only for quiescent periods, breaking down when the meridional gradient of potential vorticity is negligible. Results from the two methods are in agreement only for very disturbed conditions, when transience is readily isolated. It is concluded that the parameterizations suggested for eddy transport and calculated in this paper may be meaningful for quiet periods, but are not reliable for unsteady and very large amplitude disturbances.