Modelling of the subarctic North Pacific circulation (report of Working Group 7)
By: edited by Paul H. Leblond and Masahiro Endoh.
Contributors: LeBlond, Paul H.; Endoh, Masahiro.; North Pacific Marine Science Organization.
Series: PICES scientific report -- no. 5.
Publisher: North Pacific Marine Science Organization
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Sidney, B.C
Language: eng
Number of pages: 91
ISBN-13: 9780969842057
Subjects: Ocean circulation -- North Pacific Region -- Simulation methods.; Ocean currents -- North Pacific Region -- Simulation methods.; Weather forecasting -- North Pacific Region.
Description: "This review focuses on modelling ocean circulation and its variability in the subarctic North Pacific; it addresses issues specific to that region, and not the subject of ocean modelling in general. The performance of existing models is assessed in relation to observations in the upper ocean, intermediate waters and deep/abyssal waters. Not surprisingly, the quality of model results is generally found to match that of the observations. Models of surface circulation, where data are most abundant, reproduce many observed features, while the reliability of model results at greater depths remains more problematic. In general, model results are found too coarse and insufficiently reliable for many of the applications towards which they have been developed (fisheries, pollution, climate...) and significant improvements are required.  We have identified a number of gaps in physical understanding and supporting data which need be filled to improve model performance. Many of these apply to ocean modelling in general, but some, particularly with respect to the influence of marginal seas (Bering, Japan, Okhotsk), are specific to the subarctic North Pacific. Recommendations address ways of filling these gaps and using international collaboration within PICES to foster development of better ocean circulation models in the subarctic North Pacific."--Exec. Sum.
Notes: "March 1996."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 69-85).

Also available online via the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) home page.