Density driven currents in the Barents Sea calculated by a numerical model
Original version
This report is not to be cited without prior reference to the authorsAbstract
A baroclinic, 3-D model is described. It is adapted to a Barents Sea
situation in order to simulate the currents in this area. The model is
of a so-called level type which contains fixed, but permeable levels.
It also includes thermodynamics which allow freezing and melting of
ice. Using density data obtained during the autumn 1988, a current
pattern, driven by density and bottom topography is simulated. No wind
is applied. The simulated current pattern gives an overall picture
which is similar to what is observed through the few measurements that
are available. Good agreements with the observations is found on the
Svalbard bank, Tromsøflaket and along the Nowaya Zemlya Coast. In the Bear Island/Hopen depth the model predicts a large eddy which has not
been observed. Several smaller, topographical steared eddies are seen
in the eastern part of the model area.