Global and Basin-Scale Ocean Modeling and Prediction

Abstract

This DoD HPC Challenge project is part of a coordinated 6.1-6.4 effort on the "Grand Challenge" problem of eddy-resolving global and basin-scale ocean modeling and prediction. This project is work towards the ultimate goal of a data assimilative 1/32 deg global ocean nowcast/forecast system including the associated basic research and exploratory development. The interim goal by 2001 is the transition of a 1/8 deg global system with embedded 1/16 deg Pacific north of 20 deg S and 1/32 deg subtropical Atlantic (9-51 deg N) including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. A data assimilative 1/4 deg global system was transitioned to Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) for operational evaluation early in FY98 and the 1/16 deg Pacific system is scheduled for transition by the end of FY99. A two pronged approach is used in this DoD Challenge effort. The first is ocean nowcast experiments with data assimilation and ocean forecasting experiments initialized from the experiments with data assimilation, 1/16 deg Pacific in FY98-99 and 1/32 deg subtropical Atlantic in FY00. The second prong is "first of a kind" ocean model simulations at the next higher resolution, 1/16 deg global (completed under an FY97 DoD HPC Challenge project), 1/32 deg Pacific north of 20 deg S and 1/64 deg subtropical Atlantic in FY98-99 (currently underway in an FY98-00 DoD HPC Challenge project) and 1/32 deg global in FY00, the ultimate target resolution for a global nowcast/forecast system. These simulations provide information on the value added of increased resolution and input on tradeoffs between increased resolution and model modifications which make it more expensive to run. Research topics include ocean dynamics, model development and portability to different computer architectures, ocean simulation, model validation, data assimilation, ocean nowcasting and forecasting, observing system simulation, and applications of naval interest.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA368486

Entities

People

  • Alan J. Wallcraft
  • Harley E. Hurlburt
  • Jay F. Shriver
  • Robert C. Rhodes

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altimeters
  • Assimilation
  • Boundaries
  • Cape Hatteras
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Dynamics
  • Gulf Stream
  • High Performance Computing
  • High Resolution
  • Military Research
  • Ocean Currents
  • Oceanography
  • Oceans
  • Sea Level
  • Simulations
  • Transitions

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers
  • Oceanography.
  • Software Engineering.