Numerical Simulation of Ocean Circulation with Ultrahigh Spatial Resolution

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of publications related to the study of submesoscale ocean variability. The significant progress achieved recently in understanding the special role of submesoscale processes in the formation of ocean circulation and ocean–atmosphere interaction, including modulation of the heat and gas exchange of the two media and their impact on the flux of biogenic elements into the top layer of the ocean, is emphasized. The necessity of conducting a study of submesoscale ocean variability in order to improve the quality of short-term marine forecasts is noted. Marine forecasts of the new level will be based on models with ultrahigh spatial resolution. The models will allow one to describe the reverse cascade of energy in the submesoscale range. In connection with the fact that new instruments capable of conducting 2–10 km surface observations of seas and oceans will be launched in the next five years, the possibilities of using the Black Sea as a testing area for the development of numerical models of circulation in a basin with a resolution of no less than a kilometer and improving methods of analysis and assimilation of observational technologies of the next generation are discussed.