Abstract:

This dataset contains model output from Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of upper ocean mixed layer turbulence. Simulations include cases with and without Langmuir turbulence from surface wave forcing, neutral and buoyant tracers with varying rise velocities, and variable forcing cases drawn from observations made during LASER as well as steady-state cases in similar parameter ranges. Output includes series of full-domain LES state variables saved periodically for restart purposes, and more frequent subsets of the model output in reduced precision for visualization. All output is either in standard IEEE binary format or in ASCII text. Model output was produced using the NCAR LES, which is available by application to Dr. Peter Sullivan of NCAR, but is generally not authorized for redistribution.

Suggested Citation:

Ramsey R Harcourt. 2018. Large Eddy Simulation output from steady state and variable forcing cases. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7222S91

Publications:

D’Asaro, E. A., Carlson, D. F., Chamecki, M., Harcourt, R. R., Haus, B. K., Fox-Kemper, B., … Yang, D. (2020). Advances in Observing and Understanding Small-Scale Open Ocean Circulation During the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Era. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7. doi:10.3389/fmars.2020.00349

Purpose:

Simulation of upper ocean turbulence and the response of neutral and buoyant tracers and particles.

Data Parameters and Units:

State variables of velocity components u,v,w (m/s), subgrid turbulent kinetic energy e (m^2/s^2), density-scaled modified nonhydrostatic pressure p (m^2/s^2) and a series of nscl neutral and thermodynamic scalars {T(iscl), iscl=1,nscl}, of which the first is always potential temperature T (C), and the second may be salinity (psu). Unless otherwise indicated, all units are MKS. All variable forcing cases are forced using ship data from the LASER experiment computed using the COARE3.5 standard. These were interpolated from the data in the file Mfluxes.dat, which lists a sequential table with columns corresponding to 1) time (calendar day) 2) sensible heat flux (W/m^2) 3) latent heat flux (W/m^2) 4) net shortwave heat flux (w/m^2) 5) net longwave heat flux (W/m^2) 6) surface stress in x (East) direction (N/m^2) 7) surface stress in y (North) direction (N/m^2) 8) Evaporation minus precipitation (mm/hr) and 9) wind speed (m/s) referenced to 10m height.

Methods:

The model used is the NCAR Large Eddy Simulation (Sullivan and Paton, 2011).

Error Analysis:

Some results for tracers with rise velocity larger than about 1 cm/s were at times unstable and should be evaluated before use.

Provenance and Historical References:

References Sullivan, P.P. & E. G. Patton, 2011: The effect of mesh resolution on convective boundary layer statistics and structures generated by large-eddy simulation. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, 68, 2395-2415.

Individual Files: