Intercomparison of basin-to-global scale submesoscale-permitting ocean models at SWOT cross-overs

With an increase in computational power, ocean models with kilometer-scale resolution have emerged over the last decade. Using these realistic simulations, we have been able to quantify the energetic exchanges between spatial scales and inform the design of eddy parametrizations. The increase in resolution, however, has drastically increased model outputs, making it difficult to transfer and analyze the data. The realism of individual models in representing the energetics down to numerical dissipation has also come into question. Here, we showcase a cloud-based analysis framework proposed by the Pangeo Project that aims to tackle such distribution and analysis challenges. We analyze seven submesoscale permitting simulations all on the cloud at a crossover region of the upcoming SWOT altimeter mission near the Gulf Stream separation. The models used in this study are based on the NEMO, CROCO, MITgcm, HYCOM, FESOM and FIO-COM code bases. The cloud-based analysis framework: i) minimizes the cost of duplicating and storing ghost copies of data, and ii) allows for seamless sharing of analysis results amongst collaborators. In this poster, we will describe the framework and provide preliminary results (e.g. spectra, vertical buoyancy flux, and how it compares to predictions from the mixed-layer instability parametrization). Basin-to-global scale, submesoscale-permitting models are still at their early stage of development ; their cost and carbon footprints are also rather large. It would, therefore, benefit the community to compile the different model configurations for future best practices. We also believe that an emphasis on data analysis strategies would be crucial for improving the models themselves.