Data Constraints Applied to Models of the Ocean General Circulation. Part II: The Transient, Eddy-Resolving Case

Abstract In Part I of the present work we performed assimilation experiments with a multilayer, quasi-geostrophic (QG) eddy-resolving model of the ocean general circulation. In Part I we studied the quasi-linear, steady state and the assimilated data were density measured along hydrographic sections. The major result of this study was that the most effective sections are long, meridional ones located at distance from the western boundary. The model estimates are significantly improved over the entire region extending from the data section to the western boundary itself. In this second part we extend the study to the more realistic time-dependent, fully eddy-resolving ocean. Again we capitalize upon the two assumptions that the available models are imperfect and that data are measured only locally at meridional sections. The location of the sections are chosen according to (i) distance from the western boundary; (ii) energetics of the region. Also, here we compare assimilation of density alone versus densi...