The CCSM4 Ocean Component

The ocean component of the Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4) is described, and its solutions from the twentieth-century (20C) simulations are documented in comparison with observations and those of CCSM3. The improvements to the ocean model physical processes include new parameterizations to represent previously missing physics and modifications of existing parameterizations to incorporate recent new developments. In comparison with CCSM3, the new solutions show some significant improvements that can be attributed to these model changes. These include a better equatorial current structure, a sharper thermocline, and elimination of the cold bias of the equatorial cold tongue all in the Pacific…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy
• NO
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

  Award: NA09OAR4310163
• CP
  Climate Program Office

  Award: NA09OAR4310163