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is available on a near-real-time and routine basis, by providing weekly NearReal-Time Analysis and 2-week Forecasts; and on a Reanalysis mode, with
data assimilation.
Three prototypes of the MERCATOR system are currently running: one
global low resolution (2°) configuration, one in the north and equatorial
Atlantic at medium resolution (1/3°) and one with high resolution (1/15°) in
the north Atlantic and Mediterranean. An upgrade in the resolution will soon
be achieved for the global configuration from 2 to 1/4°
Figure 1. Examples of MERCATOR OCEAN system outputs. (a) Global Ocean (2° model)
Sea Surface Temperature field, Real-Time Analysis 28 July 2004 computed 28 July 2004; (b)
North & Tropical Atlantic (1/3° model) 1000 m depth Salinity, 2-week forecast 11 August
2004 computed 28 July 2004 ;(c) Gibraltar straight (5-7 km model, ~1/16°) surface currents;
Real-Time Analysis 21 July 2004 computed 21 July 2004 ; (d) Mediterranean sea(5-7 km
model, 1/16°) Temperature vertical section between Sète and Tunis (and surface current map)
2-week forecast 4 August 2004 computed 21 July 2004.
2.1
Input data
MERCATOR relies on existing data assembly centres to collect, process
and validates its input real time and delayed data mode. Input data for
MERCATOR include several in situ observations and remote sensing ones.
Data are used for several applications: forcing, assimilation and model
validation. The Table 1 lists the current datasets used.
MERCATOR OCEAN