Multiscale two-way embedding schemes for free-surface primitive-equations in the Multidisciplinary Simulation, Estimation and Assimilation System
We derive conservative time-dependent
structured discretizations and two-way embedded
(nested) schemes for multiscale ocean dynamics
governed by primitive equations (PEs) with a nonlinear
free surface. Our multiscale goal is to resolve tidalto-
mesoscale processes and interactions over large
multiresolution telescoping domains with complex
geometries including shallow seas with strong tides,
steep shelfbreaks, and deep ocean interactions. We
first provide an implicit time-stepping algorithm for
the nonlinear free-surface PEs and then derive a
consistent time-dependent spatial discretization with
a generalized vertical grid. This leads to a novel timedependent
finite volume formulation for structured
grids on spherical or Cartesian coordinates, second
order in time and space, which preserves mass and
tracers in the presence of a time-varying free surface.
We then introduce the concept of two-way nesting,
implicit in space and time, which exchanges all of the
updated fields values across grids, as soon as they become available. A class of such powerful nesting
schemes applicable to telescoping grids of PE models
with a nonlinear free surface is derived. The schemes
mainly differ in the fine-to-coarse scale transfers and
in the interpolations and numerical filtering, specifically
for the barotropic velocity and surface pressure
components of the two-way exchanges. Our scheme
comparisons show that for nesting with free surfaces,
the most accurate scheme has the strongest implicit
couplings among grids. We complete a theoretical
truncation error analysis to confirm and mathematically
explain findings. Results of our discretizations and
two-way nesting are presented in realistic multiscale
simulations with data assimilation for the middle
Atlantic Bight shelfbreak region off the east coast of
the USA, the Philippine archipelago, and the Taiwan-Kuroshio region. Multiscale modeling with two-way
nesting enables an easy use of different sub-gridscale
parameterizations in each nested domain. The new
developments drastically enhance the predictive capability
and robustness of our predictions, both qualitatively
and quantitatively. Without them, our multiscale
multiprocess simulations either were not possible or
did not match ocean data.