Parameterization of subgrid stirring in eddy resolving ocean models. Part 1: Theory and diagnostics

Horizontal stirring by time-varying mesoscale flows contributes to forming submesoscale tracer filaments. In this paper, we propose a parameterization of the passive transport associated with filamentation by mesoscale flows for use in O(10 km) resolution ocean models. Theoretical motivations are provided for modelling subgrid stirring by the resolved mesoscale flows with an anisotropic generalization of Smagorinsky operator. For level coordinate models, an isoneutral formulation of the proposed subgrid operator is provided. The proposed subgrid operator is diagnosed with DRAKKAR global 1/4° eddy-resolving model output. In the Southern Ocean, the parameterization is shown to provide diffusivities peaking at about 400 m2 s−1. If applied prognostically, the proposed subgrid operator could drive meridional heat transports of about .5PW at 45°S. This suggests that a significant fraction of the transport by mesoscale flows could be associated with tracer features of scale smaller than our model grid size (∼20 km at 45°S). A large contribution to this transport is associated with differential advection by the time-mean flow at subgrid scale.

► Tracer features of scales smaller than 10 km contribute to eddy transport. ► We propose a parameterization of sub-grid stirring in eddy resolving ocean models. ► Sub-grid stirring is accounted by an anisotropic Smagorinsky operator. ► An isoneutral formulation of the sub-grid operator is provided. ► The operator can drive a significant meridional heat transport.