The Role Of Surface Waves On The Upper Ocean: Application In Indonesian Seas

Abstract

Surface waves are the most energetic processes in the oceans, due to their strong effects on the exchanges of momentum, heat, and mass through the air-sea interface. The effects of surface waves now are applied to the development of an ocean forecast system around Indonesian Seas by employing the MASNUM wave-circulation coupled numerical model. The model was set up for the area of 300 – 1500 E, 200 S – 500 N. The numerical model covers the Indian Ocean, Indonesian Seas, South China Sea (SCS), and western Pacific. The preliminary results show that the significant wave height in southern part of Indonesia is mostly influenced by the wave in Indian Ocean, while in the northwest of Indonesia, it is much affected by the wave in SCS. In Indonesia Seas, the value of Bv is less than 500 cm2/s and the depth of penetration could reach 25 m. By including the wave- induced mixing into the circulation model, the simulation of the upper ocean temperature is improved, and the simulated mixed layer depth is 10 – 15 m deeper which is closer to observation. During the upwelling favorable season, the distribution of ML depth along west coast of Sumatra to south Java is 10 m deeper by adding Bv.