Ocean General Circulation Modelling Using NEMO and the ANHA Configuration

Numerical modelling is a powerful tool for oceanographers to study the physics of the ocean and its potential response to climate change. In-situ observations are essential but there are some limitations, especially in terms... [ view full abstract ]

Numerical modelling is a powerful tool for oceanographers to study the physics of the ocean and its potential response to climate change. In-situ observations are essential but there are some limitations, especially in terms of spatial and temporal coverage (particularly in the past). Numerical modelling works to overcome these difficulties. In addition, numerical sensitivity experiments provide valuable knowledge about the impact of certain climate related events, such as the melting of Greenland Ice Sheet and ecosystem changes in the future under different climate scenarios.

We will present the numerical ocean modelling and related scientific research carried out at the University of Alberta with computational support from WestGrid. We will include a general introduction of the numerical model NEMO (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean) and the ANHA (Arctic and North Hemisphere Atlantic) configuration used by our group. We will also examine the computational cost of the major simulations. Scientific research results will focus on a) the pathway of Greenland meltwater; b) the pathways of Pacific Water and Atlantic Water in the Arctic Ocean as well as the outflow from the Arctic Ocean; c) the pathways of river discharge in the ocean; d) studies of open ocean convection in Labrador Sea and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.