Parametrization of the ocean mixed layer and its influence on the ogcm

This article briefly reviews the current state of knowledge about how vertical mixing occurs in the ocean mixed layer (OML), how it is parametrized, and how ocean general circulation model (OGCM) results are affected by the parametrization from the critical viewpoint. In particular, various important features of the OML, which have recently been clarified by using large eddy simulation (LES), are introduced. Furthermore, key problems in the present approach of developing the OML model and its application to the OGCM are discussed.