AOML/CIMAS Ocean Modeling and OSSE Center (OMOC)

Organization:

The AOML/CIMAS/RSMAS Joint Ocean Modeling and OSSE Center (OMOC) is a partnership between NOAA/AOML, and both CIMAS and RSMAS of the University of Miami.

The AOML/CIMAS Ocean Modeling and OSSE Center is directed by Dr. George Halliwell and Dr. Vassiliki Kourafalou (RSMAS).

Mission Statement:

OMOC conducts basic and applied research to enhance our ability to analyze and forecast the state of the ocean by evaluating and improving the performance of data assimilative ocean models and by conducting observing system design studies. The Center works closely with ocean monitoring and observational programs at the host institutions, and also interacts with outside ocean research institutions and operational centers.

Primary Goals:

Develop and test a new relocatable research ocean data assimilation system based on the HYbrid-Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM).

Develop a new high-resolution regional and coastal ocean analysis-forecast system, initially for the Gulf of Mexico

Develop and test a new rigorously-evaluated ocean OSSE system that follows established validation procedures developed for atmospheric OSSE systems to produce valid observing system impact assessments.

Evaluate and improve ocean model performance and ocean data assimilation procedures.

Perform Observing System Experiments and Observing System Simulation Experiments in support of monitoring a broad range of oceanographic processes and improving the initialization of coastal, regional, and global ocean forecast models.