Objective Use of Satellite Altimetry and IR in Simulations of Western Boundary Current Dynamics
Abstract
A series of numerical experiments to predict the evolution of the Gulf Stream have been performed. The forecast system uses a primitive equation model of the north western Atlantic Ocean and assimulation schemes which employ both a feature model and statistical correlations derived from the regional climatology of in situ data and long time-base numerical simulations. The evaluation criterion is the mean absolute distance between forecast locations of the Gulf Stream front and actual locations as verified from extensive satellite and in situ data. Eight one-week and five two-week evaluation intervals during 1986-1988 were selected to represent a variety of both active and inactive Gulf Stream regimes. To insure objectivity, hindcasting was disallowed. The resulting forecasts were significantly better than persistence at both one- and two-week intervals. This study indicates the feasibility of Gulf Stream forecasting using assimulation schemes which provide adequate deep information and numerical models which are designed to be consistent with available data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA231628
Entities
People
- Dantel N. Fox
- Jim L. Mitchell
- Michael R. Cauocs
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory