428
ANDREAS SCHILLER AND NEVILLE SMITH
1.
Introduction
Ocean forecasting has become achievable because of rapid developments
in computing power, remote observations and autonomous ocean
instruments. Technical developments and intensive research have given the
global marine community a broad understanding of the behavior and
circulation of the oceans and seas. Although there is still a long way to go,
scientists today have a good understanding of the “inner-workings” of the
ocean. The state of the ocean can now be monitored and predicted. In line
with international trends, operational oceanography in Australia is evolving
in support of the community and its marine industries, as well as defense,
environmental protection, and improved climate prediction.
BLUElink is a three-year project to develop the ocean model, analysis
and assimilation systems required to provide timely information on, and
forecasts of, the oceans around Australia. It will build on Australia’s weather
and climate forecasting systems, extending its capability to the marine
environment, through an initial investment of $US 10M. BLUElink forecasts
will provide information on coastal and open-ocean currents and eddies, and
surface and sub-surface ocean properties; information that is useful for
maritime and commercial operations, defense applications, safety-at-sea,
sustainability of the marine environment, and regional and global climate.
BLUElink is Australia’s contribution to the international Global Ocean Data
Assimilation Experiment (GODAE), an international experiment in ocean
prediction. With new computer technologies and a greater understanding of
the ocean and “how it works”, scientists can start to run models that emulate
the ocean environment and predict its evolution.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology already provides operational
weather services for marine users. This service focuses on the state of the sea
surface and forecasts of wind conditions, storm surge heights, and seasurface temperatures. BLUElink will provide the core of an extended
oceanographic service at the Bureau of Meteorology in which the ocean
model and assimilation prediction system will maintain up-to-date analyses
of the state of the ocean. High-resolution analyses will be generated each
day and twice-a-week forecasts will be generated out to 28 days
incorporating the latest changes in the marine weather and wind systems.
These extensions will complement the Bureau’s existing weather and
climate services and provide an integrated suite of products for the public
and private sectors. The service will provide essential infrastructure for
industry and the ocean community.
ANDREAS SCHILLER AND NEVILLE SMITH
1.
Introduction
Ocean forecasting has become achievable because of rapid developments
in computing power, remote observations and autonomous ocean
instruments. Technical developments and intensive research have given the
global marine community a broad understanding of the behavior and
circulation of the oceans and seas. Although there is still a long way to go,
scientists today have a good understanding of the “inner-workings” of the
ocean. The state of the ocean can now be monitored and predicted. In line
with international trends, operational oceanography in Australia is evolving
in support of the community and its marine industries, as well as defense,
environmental protection, and improved climate prediction.
BLUElink is a three-year project to develop the ocean model, analysis
and assimilation systems required to provide timely information on, and
forecasts of, the oceans around Australia. It will build on Australia’s weather
and climate forecasting systems, extending its capability to the marine
environment, through an initial investment of $US 10M. BLUElink forecasts
will provide information on coastal and open-ocean currents and eddies, and
surface and sub-surface ocean properties; information that is useful for
maritime and commercial operations, defense applications, safety-at-sea,
sustainability of the marine environment, and regional and global climate.
BLUElink is Australia’s contribution to the international Global Ocean Data
Assimilation Experiment (GODAE), an international experiment in ocean
prediction. With new computer technologies and a greater understanding of
the ocean and “how it works”, scientists can start to run models that emulate
the ocean environment and predict its evolution.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology already provides operational
weather services for marine users. This service focuses on the state of the sea
surface and forecasts of wind conditions, storm surge heights, and seasurface temperatures. BLUElink will provide the core of an extended
oceanographic service at the Bureau of Meteorology in which the ocean
model and assimilation prediction system will maintain up-to-date analyses
of the state of the ocean. High-resolution analyses will be generated each
day and twice-a-week forecasts will be generated out to 28 days
incorporating the latest changes in the marine weather and wind systems.
These extensions will complement the Bureau’s existing weather and
climate services and provide an integrated suite of products for the public
and private sectors. The service will provide essential infrastructure for
industry and the ocean community.