Vertical structure and energetic constraints for a backscatter parameterization of ocean mesoscale eddies

The parameterization of buoyancy and momentum fluxes associated with mesoscale eddies thus presents an evolving challenge for ocean modelers, particularly as modern climate models approach eddy-permitting resolutions. Here we present a parameterization targeting such resolutions through the use of a subgrid mesoscale eddy kinetic energy budget (MEKE) framework.

Our study presents two novel insights: (a) both the potential and kinetic energy effects of eddies may be parameterized via a kinetic energy backscatter, with no Gent-McWilliams along-isopycnal transport; (b) a dominant factor in ensuring a physically-accurate backscatter is the vertical structure of the parameterized momentum fluxes. We present simulations of 1/2 degrees and 1/4 degrees resolution idealized models with backscatter applied to the equivalent barotropic mode.