Impacts of Parameterized Langmuir Turbulence and Nonbreaking Wave Mixing in Global Climate Simulations

Abstract

he impacts of parameterized upper-ocean wave mixing on global climate simulations are assessed through modification to Large et al.?s K-profile ocean boundary layer parameterization (KPP) in a coupled atmosphere?ocean?wave global climate model. The authors consider three parameterizations and focus on impacts to high-latitude ocean mixed layer depths and related ocean diagnostics. The McWilliams and Sullivan parameterization (MS2000) adds a Langmuir turbulence enhancement to the nonlocal component of KPP. It is found that the Langmuir turbulence?induced mixing provided by this parameterization is too strong in winter, producing overly deep mixed layers, and of minimal impact in summer. The later Smyth et al. parameterization modifies MS2000 by adding a stratification effect to restrain the turbulence enhancement under weak stratification conditions (e.g., winter) and to magnify the enhancement under strong stratification conditions. The Smyth et al. scheme improves the simulated winter mixed layer depth in the simulations herein, with mixed layer deepening in the Labrador Sea and shoaling in the Weddell and Ross Seas. Enhanced vertical mixing through parameterized Langmuir turbulence, coupled with enhanced lateral transport associated with parameterized mesoscale and submesoscale eddies, is found to be a key element for improving mixed layer simulations. Secondary impacts include strengthening the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and reducing the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The Qiao et al. nonbreaking wave parameterization is the third scheme assessed here. It adds a wave orbital velocity to the Reynolds stress calculation and provides the strongest summer mixed layer deepening in the Southern Ocean among the three experiments, but with weak impacts during winter.