Comparing Ocean Prediction System Skill Using Ocean Color

Abstract

This article illustrates the value of SeaWiFS ocean color imagery in assessing the ability of five different ocean prediction systems to map the "ocean weather." Nowcast results are presented from three global systems in the northwestern Arabia Sea and from all systems in the Gulf of Mexico. Ocean weather includes warm and cold eddies, the oceanic analog of atmospheric high and lows, and the meandering pathways of ocean currents and fronts. Ocean color imagery is a unique independent data set that is very effective in differentiating the relative skill of the different systems and in helping to diagnose specific strengths and weaknesses of the systems. Ocean color from the SeaWiFS satellite (operated by Orbital Sciences Corp.) was collected and processed at NRL using an extension of NASA algorithms. Improved coupled ocean-atmosphere algorithms for coastal waters were used to uncouple the spectral color signature into the near-surface chlorophyll concentrations. These images provide unique tracers of both circulation and biological activity. Daily chlorophyll images were generated by a 7-day latest pixel composite to remove clouds and retain ocean features. The chlorophyll features are clearly associated with the location of ocean circulation features, whereas their absolute concentrations associated with the biological response. Features marked by both chlorophyll-rich and chlorophyll-poor water proved useful in comparing the ocean prediction systems. In addition, the study clearly illustrates that biological responses of the surface waters are strongly linked to physical events and processes.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA480310

Entities

People

  • Alan J. Wallcraft
  • C. N. Barron
  • D. -s. Ko
  • E. P. Chassignet
  • Harley E. Hurlburt
  • Jay F. Shriver
  • L. F. Smedstad
  • O.m. Smedstad
  • P. M. Flynn
  • R. A. Arnone
  • R. C. Rhodes

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Algorithms
  • Chlorophylls
  • Data Sets
  • Information Operations
  • Military Research
  • Ocean Currents
  • Oceanography
  • Oceans
  • Remote Sensing
  • Surface Waters
  • Water

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space