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Mixed Layer Depth Comparisons

The carbon model requires mixed layer depth (MLD) as an input variable. It is essential that the best estimation of MLD be used as input. These pages describe the rationale for selection of a final input set for processing.

NRL's comparison of ILD and MLD Values

The Naval Research Lab constructed ILD and MLD climatologies. Their monthly ILD and MLD climatologies are shown below, and the original web site can be seen here.

The figures shown below use a color scheme opposite of what we are used to: deep values are shown in blue, and shallow values are shown in red. When you compare the ILD maps on the left with the MLD maps on the right, the color of interest is blue, representing deep water. In particular, notice the difference between the North Pacific representations in the winter months, and the Southern Ocean values in the summer months. The differences between ILD values and MLD values are not so great in the North Atlantic, although differences are still present.

Please keep in mind that these are climatologies (ie: averages). The differences between MLD and ILD for any given month can be much more extreme.