Project Title: Sea Level Mapping

Project Description:

Compare the output of a high resolution, non-linear, dynamic and thermodynamic numerical ocean model, to global, 10-day maps of sea level measured by satellite altimetry and to selected shipborne profiles of the temperature and salinity of the ocean as a function of depth. CIoncentrate on the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Identify areas of the numerical model that require improvement.

Background Information:

Oceanography is approaching the point where Meteorology has been for a decade: numerical models embodying the dynamics and thermodynamics of the ocean, and its interactions with the atmosphere, are realistic thanks to computer technology. At the same time, satellite technology has given us global observations of sea level, the surface pressure of the oceans and a constraint on surface and deep ocean motions.

Literature References:

Semtner, A.J. and R.M.Chervin. J. Geophys. Res. 97 (c4), 5493-5550, 1992
Zlotnicki, V., Fu and Patzert. J. Geophys.Res. 94 (c12), 17959-17970. 1989.

Requirements:

The sponsor requires that interested students meet the following requirements:
Required: physics, math or e. engineer major.
Prefer: additional coursework in fluid dynamics, statistics.

This opportunity is for:

Caltech students. Will consider non-Caltech students

Research Sponsor

Sponsor: Victor ZLOTNICKI
Division: JPL
Mail Code: 300-323
Phone: 354-5519
E-mail: vz@pacific.jpl.nasa.gov