ESSIC Intermediate Coupled Model    Dynamical Model

University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland, U.S.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Greenbelt, Maryland, U.S.

The Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) is a joint center between several departments of the University of Maryland, the Earth Sciences Directorate at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, and other related governmental entities such as NOAA.

This is a relatively new intermediate coupled model for El Nino simulation and prediction, developed by Dr. Rong-Hua Zhang and colleagues. The ocean component is based on an intermediate complexity model developed by Keenlyside and Kleeman [2002] that is an extension of the McCreary [1981] baroclinic modal model to include varying stratification and partial nonlinearity effects, allowing realistic simulation of the mean equatorial circulation and its variability. An empirical procedure is developed to parameterize subsurface entrainment temperature (Te) in terms of sea surface pressure (SSP) anomalies. The ocean model is then coupled to a statistical atmospheric model.

Browse information about the model, including some interesting actual past forecasts.

Contact: Rong-Hua Zhang: rzhang@essic.umd.edu

References:
Keenlyside, N., and R. Kleeman, 2002: Annual cycle of equatorial zonal currents in the Pacific. J. Geophys. Res., 107, C8, Art. No. 3093.
McCreary, J. P., 1981: A linear stratified ocean model of the equatorial undercurrent; Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London Series A; Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences 298 : 603.
Zhang, R. H., S. E. Zebiak, R. Kleeman, and N. Keenlyside, 2003: A new intermediate coupled model for El Nino simulation and prediction. Geophys. Res. Lett., 30 (19), Art. No. 2012.