Approximation of Ocean Heat Storage by Ocean–Atmosphere Energy Exchange: Implications for Seasonal Cycle Mixed Layer Ocean Formulations

Abstract

Abstract The approximation of ocean heat storage by the net surface energy flux and the implications for zonal mean SST simulation using mixed layer ocean formulation are examined. The analysis considers both constant and variable depth mixed layers. Simulated zonal-mean net surface energy fluxes, taken from a low-resolution atmospheric GCM with prescribed SST, are compared to observed flux and ocean heat storage data. The impact of limitations of the mixed layer ocean formulation on SST simulation are assessed to impacts of simulation errors of the atmospheric model. The results indicate the important in determining errors in the atmospheric model simulation for the net surface energy flux when assessing anticipated improvement in SST simulation as neglected physical processes (e.g., ocean heat transport) are incorporated in the ocean component of an interactive model. Noting the current limited availability of observations, the approximation of ocean heat storage by the simulated net surface energy flux...