Improving the parameterisation of horizontal density gradient in one-dimensional water column models for estuarine circulation

A new parameterisation of horizontal density gradient for a one-dimensional water column estuarine model, inspired by the first-order finite-difference upwind scheme, is presented. This parameterisation prevents stratification from growing indefinitely, a deficiency usually referred to as "...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: S. Blaise, E. Deleersnijder
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2008-11-01
Series:Ocean Science
Online Access:http://www.ocean-sci.net/4/239/2008/os-4-239-2008.pdf
Description
Summary:A new parameterisation of horizontal density gradient for a one-dimensional water column estuarine model, inspired by the first-order finite-difference upwind scheme, is presented. This parameterisation prevents stratification from growing indefinitely, a deficiency usually referred to as "runaway stratification". It is seen that, using this upwind-like parameterisation, the salinity must remain comprised between upper and lower bounds set a priori and that any initial over- or under-shooting is progressively eliminated. Simulations of idealised and realistic estuarine regimes indicate that the new parameterisation lead to results that are devoid of the runaway stratification phenomenon, as opposed to previously used models.
ISSN:1812-0784
1812-0792