PREFACE
Progress in a wide range of ocean research and applications depends
upon the prompt and dependable availability of ocean information products.
The field of physical oceanography has matured to a point where it is now
conceivable to combine numerical models and observations via data
assimilation in order to provide ocean prediction products on various spatial
and time scales. As a result, many nations have begun large-scale efforts to
provide routine products to the oceanographic community. The Global
Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE) provides a framework for
these efforts, i.e., a global system of observations, communications,
modeling, and assimilation that will deliver regular, comprehensive
information on the state of the oceans, in a way that will promote and
engender wide utility and availability of this resource for maximum benefit
to the community. The societal benefit will be an increased knowledge of the
marine environment and ocean climate, predictive skills for societal,
industrial, and commercial benefit and tactical and strategic advantage, as
well as the provision of a comprehensive and integrated approach to the
oceans.
We therefore considered it timely, given the international context, to
bring together leading scientists to summarize our present knowledge in
ocean modeling, ocean observing systems, and data assimilation to present
an integrated view of oceanography and to introduce young scientists to the
current state of the field and to a wide range of applications. This book is the
end result of an international summer school held in 2004 that aimed, among
other things, at forming and motivating the young scientists and
professionals that will be the principal movers and users of operational
oceanographic outputs in the next 10 years. The chapters collected in this
volume cover a wide range of topics and are authored not only by scientists,
but also by system developers and application providers.
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