Localized multi-envelope vertical coordinates for improving flow-topography interactions in global ocean models

Numerical ocean models typically implement one single type of generalised vertical coordinate system throughout their model domain. As a result, they are often unable to accurately represent the whole range of physical processes at stake, especially in the case of global configurations.

Recently, Bruciaferri et al. (2024) introduced a generalised methodology to implement different types of vertical coordinates in arbitrarily defined time-invariant local areas of quasi-Eulerian numerical ocean models. They tested this new method embedding multi-envelope (Bruciaferri et al., 2018) terrain-following computational levels in the Nordic Seas overflows region of an eddy permitting z*-based NEMO configuration, showing significant improvements in the overflows properties of 10 years-long forced simulations when compared to observations.

Here, we explore further the potential of this new method, investigating its ability to improve the representation of flow-topography interactions in key-areas of the North Atlantic and/or in the Antarctic shelf and continental slope of eddy-permitting configurations.