452
YVES DESAUBIES
x Make systematic assessments of the performance of the analyses and
forecasts of the physical and bio-geochemical variables.
x Assess the value of boundary data for regional forecasts and
implement data assimilation methodologies for regional seas and test
their impact.
x Develop an information management system that will deliver both
real-time and delayed mode information to users, allowing them to
exploit multiple data sets from many different sources with userfriendly internet-based interfaces. Provide full documentation and
meta-data.
x Develop and demonstrate applications in support of the safety of
marine operations including improved wave-forecasting, and
forecasts for ship routing, the offshore oil and gas industry, oil spill
drift.
x Implement research results and perform specific experiments to
improve now-casting (analysis) and forecasting for ecosystems and
seasonal weather forecasting.
x Help to organize appropriate teams and agencies to establish the
proper framework for the ocean component of GMES by 2008.
x Develop a communication, promotion, education, and outreach
program towards the general public, policy makers, end-users, and
specialists to increase awareness and knowledge on the global ocean
environment.
3.
The MERSEA system
At the end of the project, in mid 2008, a working prototype system will
be delivered. Its exact architecture is not defined at this early time, since the
design is an essential task of the project. The present concept is that of a set
of thematic centres: satellite products, in situ data, forcing fields, and the
main ocean forecasting systems: global and regional. Those centres must be
integrated by the adoption of common formats, practices, and quality
standards. The institutional framework under which the system will be
operated is an open question; the participating institutions (Met agencies and
marine institutes) will continue to play a major role. The possibility of
establishing a European Centre for Ocean Monitoring and Forecasting, is
considered. Such a Centre would provide a focal point of excellence to
conduct research and development, for training, to pool resources and
operate the global system, and to distribute basic products to participating
members. The major regional systems would be out-centres, with identified
operators, and close ties to the global system. Considerations of funding,
administrative status and international agreements are complex, and go
beyond the scope of the project.
YVES DESAUBIES
x Make systematic assessments of the performance of the analyses and
forecasts of the physical and bio-geochemical variables.
x Assess the value of boundary data for regional forecasts and
implement data assimilation methodologies for regional seas and test
their impact.
x Develop an information management system that will deliver both
real-time and delayed mode information to users, allowing them to
exploit multiple data sets from many different sources with userfriendly internet-based interfaces. Provide full documentation and
meta-data.
x Develop and demonstrate applications in support of the safety of
marine operations including improved wave-forecasting, and
forecasts for ship routing, the offshore oil and gas industry, oil spill
drift.
x Implement research results and perform specific experiments to
improve now-casting (analysis) and forecasting for ecosystems and
seasonal weather forecasting.
x Help to organize appropriate teams and agencies to establish the
proper framework for the ocean component of GMES by 2008.
x Develop a communication, promotion, education, and outreach
program towards the general public, policy makers, end-users, and
specialists to increase awareness and knowledge on the global ocean
environment.
3.
The MERSEA system
At the end of the project, in mid 2008, a working prototype system will
be delivered. Its exact architecture is not defined at this early time, since the
design is an essential task of the project. The present concept is that of a set
of thematic centres: satellite products, in situ data, forcing fields, and the
main ocean forecasting systems: global and regional. Those centres must be
integrated by the adoption of common formats, practices, and quality
standards. The institutional framework under which the system will be
operated is an open question; the participating institutions (Met agencies and
marine institutes) will continue to play a major role. The possibility of
establishing a European Centre for Ocean Monitoring and Forecasting, is
considered. Such a Centre would provide a focal point of excellence to
conduct research and development, for training, to pool resources and
operate the global system, and to distribute basic products to participating
members. The major regional systems would be out-centres, with identified
operators, and close ties to the global system. Considerations of funding,
administrative status and international agreements are complex, and go
beyond the scope of the project.