Ocean Modeling and Theory

From global to universal

We study the physics of the ocean and how the ocean fits into the Earth's climate system, using models that range from the global scale to focused process models that apply universally. We seek mathematically interesting problems with practical uses.

Some of the significant discoveries made by the Fox-Kemper group and collaborators are:

1. Discovery of the scale where frontogenesis is arrested by boundary layer turbulence and the consequences for turbulence energy sources for upper ocean mixing.
2. The first multiscale simulations where ~5km submesoscale to ~50m boundary-layer scale turbulence interactions were resolved.
3. Discovery of how passive tracers distinguish advection-like and diffusion-like net transport by eddies.
4. Discovery that energy dissipation of oceanic ~100km turbulence is distributed ~log-normally just like small-scale turbulence is.
5. Discovery of a parameterization for the bulk effects of ~100m symmetric instability.
6. Discovery of a scale-aware subgrid closure for models with grids in the ~25km to ~1km range that can be considered as Large Eddy Simulations.
7. Discovery of a parameterization for entrainment into the mixed layer by wave-driven (Langmuir) turbulence and how Langmuir mixing is affected by misalignment between the wave and wind direction.
8. Discovery of a parameterization for restratification by ~1km mixed layer eddies.
9. Resolution of the "inertial runaway" paradox for wind-driven gyres.

The products we produce are parameterizations, diagnostics, and toy models. These are developed by examining intricate processes using both high-cost computational models and remote or autonomous observations. We seek simple but accurate approximations and crucial diagnoses. The ultimate objectives vary, sometimes aiming to enhance community models, other times to facilitate comprehension through emulators or parameterizations that replicate the complexities of the actual system.

Interested readers will find that most project titles below have links to a fuller description, including investigators and abstracts. We thank the agencies, universities, and foundations that have sponsored our work.

Download the full list of projects (PDF).