A new application of conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation approach to boundary condition uncertainty. Issue 12 (17th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Qiang; Mu, Mu
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 120:Issue 12(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 7979
• Page End: 7996
• Publication Date: 2015-12-17
• Subjects: conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation -- uncertainties -- boundary condition -- deep chlorophyll maximum; Oceanography -- Periodicals; 551.4605
• DOI: 10.1002/2015JC011095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9275

Abstract

Abstract: The conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) approach was mainly used to investigate the effects of the uncertainties in initial condition and model parameters on model results. This study presents a new application of the CNOP approach to the investigation of the effects of boundary condition uncertainty. Specifically, we first give the general formulation of the CNOP approach for uncertainties of initial and boundary conditions and model parameters. The method is then applied to analyze the effects of nutrient perturbations at the bottom boundary of the water column on the modeled deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) using an ocean ecosystem model. The results show that nutrient perturbations at the bottom boundary have significant impacts on the modeled DCM. Interestingly, the approach also reveals that nonlinear processes play important roles in the evolution of phytoplankton perturbations caused by nutrient perturbations at the bottom boundary. This implies that the CNOP approach is useful for investigating the effects of boundary condition uncertainty. Key Points: A new application of the CNOP approach is presented The CNOP approach is valid for assessing the effects of boundary condition uncertainties Boundary condition uncertainties have important effects on the modeled deep chlorophyll maximum