Abstract
Abstract The parameterization of the effect of the unresolved scales of motion on a passive tracer field in large-scale numerical ocean models is analyzed through a combination of Lagrangian and Eulerian velocities. The primitive equation isopycnal model discussed by Bleck and Boudra is used in Part I to simulate the trajectory of particles in an eddy-resolving double gyre circulation. From these trajectories, and from the associated Eulerian velocity field, a Lagrangian isopycnal diffusivity field and a deformation-dependent diffusivity distribution were estimated (Part I). Here (Part II), the same velocity field is used to simulate the evolution of idealized passive tracer fields in fine (20 km) and coarse (200 km) resolution models. The main goal of this work is to test the limitations that coarse horizontal resolution imposes on the advective–diffusive equation by comparing the evolution of a passive tracer field in a high-resolution version of the model and in an “off line” version. This off-line vel...
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