Summer School Introduction

Introduction

Over the past decade the advances in real-time ocean observing systems, ocean modelling, ocean data assimilation and super-computing has seen the development and implementation of operational ocean forecasts of the global ocean. At the conclusion of the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE) in 2008 ocean forecasting services were being supported by 12 international centres. Ocean forecasting is a maturing field which remains an active area of research including ocean predictability, observing system design, high resolution ocean modelling and ocean data assimilation. In addition, the introduction of skilful ocean forecasts permits new opportunities in areas of coupled bio-geo-chem forecasting and coupled atmosphere-wave-ocean forecasting.

In addition to research and development to improve forecast systems, determining how best to service the marine user community with forecast information as well as demonstrating impact to their applications is critical to this fields success. Operational centres are developing online graphical and data products for their user communities and obtaining real-time feedback on the quality of this information. Only a fraction of the applications that could benefit from ocean forecasts are being satisfactorily serviced by present capability. As was the case for numerical weather prediction, ocean forecasting will need to sustain a continuous improvement in performance to satisfy the service needs of the user community.

The international summer school for observing, assimilating and forecasting the ocean is a two week coarse for early career scientists, professionals aimed at extending training the next generation of developers on the progress in operational oceanography and related ocean science. The course will include topics covering the leading edge science in ocean observing systems such as Argo and remote sensing, the latest methods and techniques for analysis, data assimilation and ocean modelling. Participants will be exposed to the state-of-the-art in ocean forecasting systems and the continually growing range and complexity of ocean related products and information available in real-time. There are excellent opportunities for exciting research through the operational forecasting careers emerging in this field in order to address current and the future challenges in this field and to service a growing user community. Follow the link to find more information on the summer school curriculum.

The summer school will be held in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. Perth city is located on the Swan River with the wider metropolitan areas extending to the coastline. Perth is known for its warm/dry climate, surf beaches and parks. The summer school will be convened at the University of Western Australia which is located to west of the city on the Swan River.

An international summer school cannot be a success without significant support from many organizations. We would like to particularly acknowledge the support of our major sponsors the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO, NOAA, IOC-Perth office and University of Western Australia.

For more information contact:

Dr. Gary B. Brassington
Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research
Bureau of Meteorology
Melbourne, Australia
summer_school@bom.gov.au
Please use subject "SUMMERSCHOOL"