Energy Flow Model

boat with cloud and sun  

Solar Energy (SE)

Temperatures (°C)
Heat Transfer (HT)
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column (WT)
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column (WS)
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column

(WD)
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column (AT)
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column

Season of the Year (Cycle)
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column
layer temperature indicator, read value in next column


layer temperature indicator, read value in next column
Data Logger

Description

This is a simplified model of the energy flow in the upper layers of the ocean. It allows learners to experiment with the movement of energy in the upper layers of the ocean. The temperatures shown have no units and only indicate a relative energy scale. The ocean water column is assumed to be incompressible, with no fluid mixing between layers, and homogeneous temperature throughout each layer.

The graphic interface shows layers of the ocean water, color coded for temperature (energy content).To the right of each layer is a number giving the computed temperature of each layer. Values with an asterisk (*) are part of the ocean upper mixed layer. Above these values in the same column, is an overall average of the layertemperatures.

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Instructions

Set the different controls described below and then click on the "Run" button. The colors for the different layers will be then updated along with temperature values (°C ) in the column next to the colored layers. Tab index following the Run and Reset buttons begins with the average water temperature then starts with the top layer and moves down through deeper layers.

Controls

Solar Energy

This control adjusts the solar intensity from LOW to HIGH. OFF turns off the sun.

Heat Transfer

Energy transfers happen between the sea and the air. These energy transfers happen by evaporation, sensible heat and longwave radiation. These transfers are affected by the air temperature setting (a cool atmosphere absorbs heat from a warm ocean andvisa-versa). These mechanisms are very important for energy balancing. This control adjusts the heat transfer from LOW to HIGH. OFF turns off the mechanisms.

Water Transparancy

This control determines how far sunlight energy penetrates belowthe surface of the water. This control adjusts the water transparency/clarity from LOW to HIGH. OFF makes the water very opaque.

Wind Speed

Wind caused turbulence that mixes water inthe surface layers. This control adjusts the wind speed from LOW to HIGH. OFF turns off the wind.

Water Diffusion

Water undergoes diffusion (spread of water molecules) and conduction(energy transfer between water molecules) that tend to equalize temperatures in the layers. This control adjusts diffusion/conduction from LOW to HIGH. OFF turns off the mechanisms.

Air Temperature

This control sets the air temperature above the ocean. This determines the temperature threshold that affects whether heat transfers from ocean toatmosphere or visa-versa. This control adjusts the air temperature from LOW to HIGH. OFF sets the air temperature to zero.

Initial Surface Temperature

Use this control to set a starting profile of ocean layer temperatures. This control adjusts the surface temperature from 0 to 14.

Run

This button runs the model for a fixed time interval.

Reset

This button resets the model layers to the starting temperature state.

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References
  • Warren, B. A. (1972) Insensitivity of Subtropical Mode Water Charateristics to Meteorological Fluctuations, Deep-Sea Research, Vol 19, 1-19.
  • Kraus E. B., J. S. Turner (1967), A One-Dimensional Model of the Seasonal Thermocline, II. The General Theory and Its Consequences,Tellus, 19, 98-105.
  • Denman K. L. (1973), A Time-Dependent Model of the Upper Ocean, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 3, 173-184

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