TOPAZ
in scheme: projects
definition: Following the encouraging results of the DIADEM MAST-III project, TOPAZ aims at providing real-time forecasts for both the physics and ecology of the North Atlantic ocean. As its predecessor, TOPAZ develops advanced data assimilation systems for a coupled primitive equation ocean circulation and marine ecosystem model for the North Atlantic and the Nordic Seas with enhanced resolution in the European coastal zones, assimilating satellite data available for real time operational use. TOPAZ keeps improving the results obtained in DIADEM, partly thanks to the increased computer resources recently available. Our strategy is to take advantage of the newly available CPU and memory space for upgrading both the circulation and the ecological models and for increasing their resolution. Besides, the efficiency of the various data assimilation schemes is improved. Features of the new model system are the following : ------------------------------------------- * The Miami Isopycnic Coordinate Ocean Model (MICOM) is replaced by the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). It adds a fixed vertical coordinate to the original isopycnic coordinate and allows for a better description of the vertical movements of water masses. * The original ecological model by Fasham, Ducklow and Mc Kelvie (FDM model) is improved so that the phytoplankton can adapt to changes in the physical and biogeochemical environment. In particular, the new model allows variable carbon to nitrogen (C:N) and carbon to chlorphyll ratios (C:N-REcoM= C:N Regulated Ecosystem Model). * An ice model is coupled to the physical model HYCOM, and measurements of ice concentration and ice thickness are assimilated. * The model grid resolution is increased (18 to 35 km), and a common discretization for both the physics and biology is now possible, which simplifies their coupling. The data assimilation schemes used in the TOPAZ project are: --------------------------------------------------- * The Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF, …
type: Concept

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type: Concept