A three-layer model of ocean sea surface skin temperature, warm layer and mixed layer for modeling and data assimilation

We present numerically efficient three-layer model of the surface skin temperature, warm layer and mixed layer. Evolution of the upper ocean temperature structure is compared with observations collected during the DYNAMO project including iRobot SeaGlider and ship observations. The model reproduces key processes that force local change in the upper ocean mixed layer in response to atmospheric fluxes and stresses at the surface, vertical mixing of the warm and mixed layers and mass entrainment from the thermocline. Numerical efficiency of this model as well as its capability to reproduce observed cycles makes it effective tool for use in global models such as NOGAPS (NRL Global model) in applications which require forecasts that are sensitive to diurnal temperature variability. The model is an extension of Zeng and Beljaars 2005 prognostic scheme of sea surface skin temperature for modeling and data assimilation.