A Numerical Model for Circulation in a Homogeneous World Ocean

Abstract

The results for two steady-state models of the world's ocean circulation are presented. The first model is of a homogeneous constant depth ocean with natural coastline geography. The second model, in addition, incorporates realistic sea floor topography. The flow fields indicate that in the constant depth ocean a coefficient of body friction R=1.5×10⁻⁶ see⁻¹ is required to produce the observed Circumpolar Transport. For this model the magnitude of the Circumpolar Current is approximately proportional to the inverse of the friction parameter whereas in the variable depth model the effect of the frictional processes on the circumpolar circulation is of minor importance. The circulation is primarily determined by the sea floor topography, and the transport of the Circumpolar Current is small (∼16×10¹² gm sec⁻¹). The gyres in the ocean basins, however, are of magnitudes comparable with the constant depth model.