Skill assessment of three earth system models with common marine biogeochemistry

• DOI: 10.1007/s00382-012-1362-8
• Publication Date: 2012-06-07T14:38:46Z
• Authors: Roland Séférian; Laurent Bopp; Marion Gehlen; James C. Orr; Christian Ethé; Patricia Cadule; Olivier Aumont; David Salas y Mélia; Aurore Voldoire; Gurvan Madec
• Keywords: Biogeochemical Cycle; Biogeochemistry; Earth system science; Mixed layer

We have assessed the ability of a common ocean biogeochemical model, PISCES, to match relevant modern data fields across range circulation from three distinct Earth system models: IPSL-CM4-LOOP, IPSL-CM5A-LR and CNRM-CM5.1. The first these models has contributed IPCC 4th assessment report, while latter two are contributing ongoing 5th report. These differ with respect their atmospheric component, subgrid-scale physics resolution. simulated vertical distribution tracers suffer biases in poor representation sinking fluxes matter. Nevertheless, differences between upper deep model skills significantly point changes underlying representations circulation. CNRM-CM5.1 poorly represent deep-ocean compared IPSL-CM4-LOOP degrading tracers. However, surface wind, wind stress, mixed-layer depth geostrophic circulations (e.g., Antarctic Circumpolar Current) been improved IPSL-CM4-LOOP. improvements result better large-scale structure ocean. In particular, deepening 20–40 m summer allows capture 0–0.5 μgChl L−1 concentrations class chlorophyll Southern Ocean. Further ventilation needed for next generations development simulate marine biogeochemistry. order constrain dynamics, we suggest that or passive tracer modules should be used routinely both intercomparisons.