Dynamics of Semi-Enclosed and Coastal Seas: Numerical Models and Altimetry

摘要

Our long-term goal is to establish and utilize comprehensive, data- assimilative numerical models of semi-enclosed, marginal, and coastal seas of naval interest, in order to obtain a better understanding of the prevailing processes, and to assist in the establishment of a reliable nowcast/forecast capability in these regions at NAVOCEANO. This necessarily requires research into issues related to precision altimetry and its application to naval problems. Our primary objective is the development of comprehensive ocean circulation models assimilating altimetric, IR (MCSST) and other remotely- sensed (and when feasible in-situ) data. Such data-assimilative models can then be used to study the prevailing processes (through accurate hindcasts) and also to establish predictive (nowcast/forecast) capability of potential use to naval operations. Altimetric data are indispensable to any realistic hindcast/nowcast/forecast capability.