A numerical model constructed in the Institute of Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Geophysics (the former Novosibirsk Computing Center), based on the finite element method has been used for investigation of the sensitivity of the Pacific ocean circulation to a climatic (Hellerman and Rosenstein) and satellite derived (Halpern et al.) wind forcing.
Diagnostic experiments have been carried out for April and October, 1994. We have selected these two months for modeling different ocean circulation states with weak wind in April (switch from winter monsoon to summer monsoon) and strong wind in October (switch from summer monsoon to winter monsoon). Also, the short-range prognostic experiments for both climatic and satellite data were carried out for the 3-year period with a seasonal cycle.
Analysis of the obtained results has shown that the general circulation of the Pacific ocean did not essentially change depending on different data used. Nevertheless, a more complicated current structure has been obtained with the use of satellite data. At the same time, the main boundary currents are more intensive, and the volume transport estimates have shown higher values when climatological data applied.