BALANCED HYDRODYNAMIC MODEL OF MERIDIONAL HEAT-TRANSPORT IN THE OCEAN

Generalized hydrodynamic approach for ocean heat transport calculating is developed on the base of self-similar representation of vertical t emperature profile in baroelinic layer. The method enables to estimate the integral heat transport at any grid point for given time-interval , using only the sea-surface temperature and atmospheric data. Tests o f the method in the North Atlantic are conducted. Results of verificat ion and perspectives of the employment of the method for calculation o f seasonal and long-term variability of meridional heat transport in t he ocean are discussed.