ISSN:
1437-3262
Keywords:
Numerical modeling
;
Paleoceanography Sedimentation
;
Sediment transport
;
North Atlantic Greenland-Norwegian Sea
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Modelling of Late Quaternary paleoceanography and sedimentation in the northern North Atlantic (NNA) is achieved by coupling the ocean general circulation model SCINNA (Sensitivity and Circulation In the NNA) to the sedimentation models SENNA (Sedimentation In the NNA) and PATRINNA (PArticle Tracing In the NNA). SCINNA is based on the primitive equations with conservation of mass, momentum, energy, heat and salt. SENNA and PATRINNA are driven by temperature, salinity and velocity fields derived from SCINNA. The modelling includes three-dimensional circulation of the ocean, sediment transport in the water column and two-dimensional sedimentary processes in a thin bottom layer. SENNA calculates the erosion, transport and deposition of sediments, resulting in sedimentation patterns for specific time intervals. PATRINNA models the transport paths of single sediment grains corresponding to the ocean circulation. The NNA reacts in a highly sensitive manner to small forcing changes, as shown by our sensitivity experiments. From these experiments it is possible to model specific circulation regimes for glacial and interglacial periods, for melt water events and for the onset of glaciation. The different climatic stages in the circulation model produce different sediment patterns in the sedimentation models, which correspond closely to the sedimentary record.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00192246
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