Subduction of the North Pacific Mode Waters in a Global High-Resolution GCM*

• DOI: 10.1175/1520-0485(2002)032<0746:sotnpm>2.0.co;2
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T12:26:55Z
• Authors: Tangdong Qu; Shang-Ping Xie; Humio Mitsudera; Akio Ishida
• Keywords: Mode water; Eddy; Mixed layer; Mode (computer interface)

The annual subduction rate in the North Pacific is estimated using five-day outputs from a high-resolution general circulation model (GCM). Two maxima (>200 m yr−1) are found western Pacific: one responsible for formation of subtropical mode water (STMW) and other central (CMW). A local maximum (>75 also region eastern (ESMW). These results compared with calculation winter mixed layer depth mean velocity fields to examine effect mesoscale eddies. Although eddies do not markedly affect pattern, they enhance by up 100 yr−1 STMW/CMW, 34% increase regional average (30°–44°N, 140°E–170°W). Further analysis shows that effects seasonal cycle smaller-scale (<30 days) generally small. authors suggest two peaks related double-front structure on intergyre boundary Pacific.