In the vast, swirling waters of the Southern Ocean, tiny whirlpools known as mesoscale eddies play a monumental role in regulating global climate. Yet, current climate models often struggle to accurately simulate these eddies, leading to biases in temperature and circulation patterns. A recent study, led by Dr. Thomas Wilder from the University of Reading’s Department of Meteorology and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, aims to rectify these issues, with potential implications for the energy sector.
The study, published in the Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems (JAMES), focuses on improving the representation of mesoscale eddies in the Nucleus for European Modeling of the Ocean (NEMO) general circulation model. The research introduces two new momentum closures, dubbed “Leith closures,” which are designed to better capture the energy and enstrophy cascades in quasi two-dimensional models.
“Eddy-permitting models have long grappled with inaccuracies in simulating Southern Ocean circulation,” Wilder explains. “Our study shows that implementing these Leith closures can significantly improve the model’s performance.”
The research team tested the Leith closures in both an idealized channel model and a global ocean sea-ice model, Global Ocean Sea-Ice 9 (GOSI9). The results were promising. The harmonic Leith schemes increased the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) transport by 10-17%, reducing warming around Antarctica and mitigating cold biases in the Atlantic.
“This increase in ACC transport is a significant step forward,” Wilder notes. “It brings us closer to accurately modeling the complex dynamics of the Southern Ocean.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the realm of academic curiosity. Accurate climate models are crucial for predicting future climate scenarios, which in turn inform energy policies and strategies. For the energy sector, this means better tools for assessing risks and opportunities related to climate change.
For instance, improved climate models can help energy companies anticipate changes in weather patterns, sea levels, and ocean currents, which can impact everything from renewable energy projects to oil and gas operations. Moreover, accurate climate predictions can guide investment decisions, ensuring that energy infrastructure is resilient and adaptable in the face of a changing climate.
The study also highlights the potential of the Leith closures to replace traditional parameterizations, such as the Gent-McWilliams and Redi diffusivity coefficients. This could simplify model configurations and reduce computational costs, making high-resolution climate modeling more accessible.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for accurate, reliable climate models will only grow. Dr. Wilder’s research offers a promising path forward, one that could help bridge the gap between scientific understanding and practical application.
In the words of Dr. Wilder, “Our hope is that these improvements will not only advance our scientific understanding but also support the energy sector in navigating the complexities of a changing climate.”