Ocean Modelling System

Ocean model

In recent years, scientists at CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology have developed and then refined the Australian Community Ocean Model (ACOM) with three versions of this model having been developed.

The latest version of this model is called OFAM - Ocean Forecasting Australia Model). It is based on the Modular Ocean Model (MOM4) code developed by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) in the United States, will be the platform for the short-range forecasting system."

The model will resolve eddies in the "Region" (90E-180E, 60S-10N), be eddy-permitting in the remaining parts of the Indo-Pacific Oceans and coarser resolution elsewhere (e.g. North Atlantic).

Operational Ocean Forecast System

The Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre and CSIRO will develop an enhanced ocean model and data assimilation system for operational delivery of ocean forecasts. Available in situ and satellite observations from the data server and regional analyses will be assimilated directly into the ocean model using an advanced assimilation technique to provide improved short-range model predictions with forecast skill of up to 4-6 days. The surface forcing will be provided by the Bureau of Meteorology’s operational numerical weather prediction systems (global, regional and, as appropriate, local).

Ocean forecasts will be released twice weekly, and will be updated to include the latest changes in the weather systems and wind systems, particularly extreme conditions such as from tropical cyclones.

Success of the system depends on successful development, testing and fine-tuning of the prototype ocean model and assimilation system.