A FINE-RESOLUTION 3D MODEL OF THE SOUTHERN NORTH-SEA

A 3D baroclinic finite difference model is applied to a grid fine enou gh to resolve the internal Rossby Radius of the southern North Sea. In an idealised test case the model develops the onset of the spring the rmocline and the formation of the tidal front and demonstrates the par titioning of the Sea into the stratified northern part and the well mi xed southern part. Internal baroclinic features are also resolved; int ernal waves of tidal period are generated by the interaction of the ba rotropic tide with the Dogger Bank.