The Global Ocean Forecast System, Version 3.0 (GOFS 3.0) or the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM)
Abstract
This Operational Test (OPTEST) for the Global Ocean Forecast System (GOFS) demonstrates that the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM, GOFS 3.0) is slightly more skilled than the Global Navy Coastal Ocean Model (GNCOM, GOFS 2.6) that it is to replace. Skill, however, is not the most important reason to move to HYCOM as it represents a new basis for global prediction. There are a number of important technical and scientific improvements in HYCOM that will lead to greater forecast skill and the future coupling of the ocean, atmosphere, ice, waves and land in the Earth Systems Prediction Capability (ESPC). The OPTEST results are based on eleven-month statistical comparisons between observed and modeled temperature, salinity, and sonic layer depth (SLD) data. The original plans included multiple case-studies by NAVOCEANO Oceanography Subject Matter Experts (OSMEs) but a heavy workload by our OSMEs and slow progress in setting up data streams for this sort of evaluation precluded this effort. As with NCOM, we will gain experience with HYCOM as we support Fleet operations, gain a better understanding of HYCOM skills, and weaknesses, and provide feedback to NRL on our findings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA570050
Entities
People
- Frank L. Bub
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office