ON THE SIMULATION OF THE SEA-SURFACE TEMPERATURE IN THE GULF OF MEXICO USING A THERMODYNAMIC MODEL

A thermodynamic model is used to simulate the annual cycle of the sea surface temperature (SST) in the Gulf of Mexico. The model includes as the basic equation the thermal energy equation applied to the upper mixed layer of the ocean. This equation is vertically integrated and includes the horizontal transport of heat by mean ocean currents and by turbulent eddies, as well as the heating by radiation, sensible heat given off to the atmosphere and evaporation. The thermodynamic model is adapted, by using a regular grid with a distance of 60 km between adjacent points, covering the whole area of the Gulf of Mexico. In these numerical experiments the observed surface currents and the horizontal transport of heat through the Yucatan Channel are used as prescribed fields, as well as the atmospheric conditions. An objective comparison of the values of the computed SST with those observed, shows a good agreement.