The Modeling Component of Ocean Forecasting

Abstract

The ocean numerical model is one of the three essential components of an ocean forecasting system. Observational data, via data assimilation, set the stage for the model forecast. The quality of the forecast will primarily depend on the ability of the ocean numerical model to faithfully represent the ocean physics and dynamics. Even the use of an infinite amount of data to constrain the initial conditions will not necessarily improve the forecast against persistence of a poorly performing ocean numerical model. In this paper, we briefly review the present state of the art of numerical models within the context of operational global ocean prediction systems, discuss their limitations, and present some of the challenges associated with global ocean modeling. We also briefly address how ocean model development can benefit from such operational systems.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 13, 2002
Accession Number
ADA413667

Entities

People

  • E. Chassignet
  • Geir Evensen
  • Michael A. Bell
  • Pierre Brasseur
  • Stephen Griffies

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Assimilation
  • Boundary Layer
  • Continental Shelves
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Differential Equations
  • Dynamics
  • Grids
  • Mixing
  • Ocean Currents
  • Oceanography
  • Oceans
  • Physics
  • Ridges
  • Terrain
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Topography

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Systems Analysis and Design