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Improving data assimilation for U.S. ocean forecasts

ROMS model off the California coast. Provided by NANOOS
  • Principal Investigator(s): John Wilkin, Rutgers University
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Improving data assimilation algorithms for faster execution, higher resolution and application coupling for U.S. West and East coast ocean forecast systems

Why we care
Estimates and forecasts of ocean conditions support critical needs such as navigation, search and rescue, environmental hazard response, fisheries and public health. Multiple existing analysis and forecast systems within U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) regional associations as well as NOAA’s West Coast Operational Forecast System (WCOFS) rely on the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and its supporting data assimilation (DA) tools. Advanced data assimilation (DA) is computationally expensive, often requiring 50 times the compute effort of a single non-data-assimilative forecast. Given the computational resources typically available for near-real-time systems (NRT), this expense can limit the resolution of DA models. This project aims to improve the performance of these tools for operational applications for a variety of users.

What we are doing 
Fundamental to the skill of regional ocean analysis and forecasting is high spatial resolution and advanced data assimilation. It is important to report at resolutions useful to informing maritime operations and transports of pollutants, larvae and algal blooms. Data assimilation brings the observed and modeled ocean state into better agreement – this makes applications like weather and ocean condition predictions the best possible to launch a forecast.

This project will accomplish the following:

  • Achieve faster data acquisition, enabling the practicality of higher resolution analyses and forecasts;
  • Expand capabilities for better utilizing the information of high-resolution observations used in existing operational systems;
  • Create an infrastructure to run coupled ROMS-biogeochemical models that exploit the enhanced ocean physics state estimates delivered by operational systems;
  • Develop tools to facilitate hands-on user training in running advanced data acquisition systems and enable the user community to experiment with system performance, ecosystem forecasting, coupling, and observing system design;
  • Solicit user and community priorities and requirements for the next generation of analysis and near real-time forecasts.

Benefits of our work
This project is directed at enabling NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) and IOOS regional associations to deliver more accurate and more highly resolved forecasts to key users concerned with fisheries, ecosystem health, navigation, maritime safety, response to marine environmental hazards, and a sustainable ocean economy. The project will deliver ROMS data assimilative forecasts at higher resolution than at present and reduce computational footprint of existing operational systems to improve performance. The work will also produce a biogeochemical model coupled to West Coast Operational Forecast System output and run operationally within IOOS regional associations. 

Indirect project benefits of higher resolution and accuracy will cascade to existing downstream products that use operational analysis forecast systems, such as for HAB prediction and fisheries management.

This work is funded in partnership with the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS).

Read the IOOS webstory

Investigators
John Wilkin, Rutgers University
Hernan Arango, Rutgers University
Andrew Moore, University of California, Santa Cruz
Christopher Edwards, University of California, Santa Cruz

Partners
NOAA Coastal Survey Development Laboratory (CSDL)
Mid-Atlantic Region Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)
Central and Northern California Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS)
Southern California Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS)
Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing System (NANOOS)

ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action