Award Abstract # 0620464
CMG Collaborative Research: A New Modeling Framework for Nonhydrostatic Simulations of Small-Scale Oceanic Processes

NSF Org: OCE
Division Of Ocean Sciences
Recipient: VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE & STATE UNIVERSITY
Initial Amendment Date: September 17, 2006
Latest Amendment Date: September 17, 2006
Award Number: 0620464
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Eric C. Itsweire
OCE
 Division Of Ocean Sciences
GEO
 Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date: September 15, 2006
End Date: August 31, 2010 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $147,861.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $147,861.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2006 = $147,861.00
History of Investigator:
  • Traian Iliescu (Principal Investigator)
    iliescu@vt.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
300 TURNER ST NW
BLACKSBURG
VA  US  24060-3359
(540)231-5281
Sponsor Congressional District: 09
Primary Place of Performance: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
300 TURNER ST NW
BLACKSBURG
VA  US  24060-3359
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
09
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): QDE5UHE5XD16
Parent UEI: X6KEFGLHSJX7
NSF Program(s): OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESEARCH CMG,
MATHEMATICAL GEOSCIENCES
Primary Program Source: app-0106 
Program Reference Code(s): 0000, 4444, 7215, 7232, 7303, OTHR
Program Element Code(s): 721500, 723200
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.050

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT
OCE-0620464

Observations in the open ocean indicate that the vertical structure consists of layers of water masses with very little mixing across the layer interfaces. To close the global thermohaline circulation, which is important for climate prediction, there must also be small-scale oceanic processes which exhibit much higher levels of vertical mixing than that observed in the open ocean. However, capturing such vertical mixing is challenging for the current ocean general circulation models, which rely on mathematical models and numerical resolutions which are unable to resolve these processes. For a more realistic representation of ocean physics in such models, thorough numerical investigations of small-scale oceanic processes are urgently needed. The current numerical approaches, however, have a prohibitive computational cost for this geophysical setting.

Development of a new modeling framework based on modern multiscale turbulence modeling approaches and highly numerical models is proposed in order to explore small-scale oceanic processes. New mathematically and physically guided methodologies will be developed to handle characteristics prominent in stratified flows. They will employ this framework for original investigations of two oceanic cases: (1) the Red Sea overflow, and (2) coastal flow near the Portofino Cape, in which stratified mixing processes are a critical component of the dynamics. This modeling framework will form the missing link between small-scale oceanic observations and the coastal and ocean general circulation models. Results from the proposed work will have implications for both global and coastal transport problems. Novel mathematical solutions for the two-way coupling among different domains and accurate boundary conditions will be developed. All are challenging research topics in terms of mathematics, physics and numerical modeling. This blend of topics and expertise of the scientists involved will contribute to interdisciplinary training of students.


PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH

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Bongolan-Walsh, V.P., J. Duan, P.F. Fischer, T.M. Ozgökmen and T. Iliescu "Impact of Boundary Conditions on Entrainment and Transport inGravity Currents" Applied Mathematical Modelling , v.31 , 2007 , p.1338
J. Borggaard, T. Iliescu, H. Lee, J. P. Roop, and H. Son "A Two-Level Smagorinsky Model" Multiscale Modeling and Simulation , v.7 , 2008 , p.599
T. Ozgokmen, T. Iliescu and P. Fischer "Reynolds Number Dependence of Mixing in a Lock-Exchange System from Direct Numerical and Large Eddy Simulation" Ocean Modelling , 2009
T. Ozgokmen, T. Iliescu, P. Fischer, A. Srinivasan, and J. Duan "Large Eddy Simulation of Stratified Mixing in Two-Dimensional Dam-Break Problem in a Rectangular Enclosed Domain" Ocean Modelling , v.16 , 2007 , p.106

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