Evaluation of the Ocean Circulation for the Solomon Sea Using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS)

The Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) is a free-surface, terrain-following, primitive equations ocean model and it was implemented to perform a high-resolution 10-year hindcast study of Solomon’s Sea circulation patterns. The model was executed with a resolution of 1/36°, initial conditions from HYCOM+NCODA Global 1/12° and was forced by CFSR/CFSV2 momentum, mass and heat fluxes. The model was validated by comparing the simulated temperatures, salinities and flow patterns with satellite data, Argo floats and Ship ADCP measurements. In general, the model captured the main circulation patterns and performed well for the Solomon Sea. The modelled Temperature and Salinity profiles were comparable with the observations, with some error variability in the thermocline layer, which agreed with previous studies.