SOCIB CAIB Micinn

modelling and forecasting facility

 

In this section, the use can consult the WMOP daily forecast. The following parameters are displayed:

  • Sea Surface Temperature

    Sea surface temperature (SST) is the temperature of the ocean near the surface. Knowing the SST is crucial for many reasons. For physic scientists, it can be used as a proxy for the exchange of energy between the ocean and the atmosphere. From a biological point of view, the SST determines the development of different biological organisms. Knowing the thermal front can also be useful for the fisherman since it indicates prolific fishing zones. Finally, it is also an important parameter for the swimmer !


  • Sea Surface Salinity

    Along with temperature, salinity is a key factor that determines the density of ocean water and thus determines the convection and re-emergence of water masses. The Sea Surface Salinity is directly impacted by both precipitation, river run-off and evaporation.

  • Sea Surface Currents


    The current surface is expressed in meters per second. It is deduced from zonal and meridian components. Understanding anf forecasting sea-surface currents is important for marine industries and protecting ocean environments, especially in case of oil spill.

    WMOP Forecast Menu

    This section displays the oceanic forecast. One can display some plots (one snapshot each 6 hours) using the sub-section "WMOP Forecast pictures" or use the interactive application LW4NC in the sub-section "WMOP Forecast application". The LW4NC interactive application displays temperature, salinity and currents fields. Users can visualize forecast snapshots (temporal resolution of 3 hous) as well as plot timeseries and sections.

    WMOP Forecast pictures

    The following images display each 3 hours the WMOP forecast. The color fields represent the Sea Surface Temperature and the arrows display the sea surface current speed and directions.
    "00:00" "06:00" "12:00" "18:00"
    Yesterday
    Today
    Today + 1
    Today + 2

    WMOP Forecast application