An eddy resolving global 1/10° ocean simulation

Initial results are presented from a global eddy resolving simulation using the Parallel Ocean Program (POP) general circulation model. The model has 1/10° horizontal spacing at the equator, employs a displaced pole grid in the Northern Hemisphere to allow the inclusion of the Arctic Ocean, and uses 40 vertical levels. The simulation was spun up from rest using a combination of daily NCEP/NCAR reanalysis and monthly observational data products for the period 1979–1993 as surface forcing. As expected, the simulation exhibits extremely turbulent behavior, with eddy energy agreeing well with satellite altimetry in both location and magnitude in most high-activity areas. However, significant problems exist in the Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Current region, and relatively minor discrepancies occur elsewhere. Overall, the general circulation is well represented, with acceptable values for overturning mass and heat transports, and good agreement with transport estimates of the major current systems. This simulation represents a major step forward in high resolution ocean modeling, with applications to prediction, climate, and general ocean science.