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Oceanography
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The Met Office develops and implements the ocean modelling systems
required to meet its customer needs. This includes ocean models
for wave forecasting, our Forecasting Ocean Assimilation Model (FOAM),
a global and basin-scale deep-ocean analysis and forecasting system,
and regional shelf-seas models. We also carry out seasonal forecasting
using a combination of atmospheric and coupled ocean-atmosphere
models and statistical techniques. For climate research, we provide
and validate the ocean component of the Hadley Centre's coupled
ocean-atmosphere models. We also co-ordinate the UK's contribution
to the international Argo programme for global ocean observing and
host the international GHRSST-PP (GODAE High Resolution Sea Surface
Temperature - Pilot Programme) Project Office. Our current work
is described in the sections below. |
| Operational ocean
forecasting |
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For those working at sea or living near the coast, forecasts of
wave height, ocean currents or storm surges are just as vital
as forecasts of the weather. We routinely run a number of ocean
models to provide forecasts that help organisations such as ferry
operators and oil companies to plan their operations at sea. This
includes sea-state forecasting with ocean wave models; development
of our Forecasting Ocean Assimilation Model (FOAM), a global real-time
ocean analysis and forecast model; and regional modelling of the
shelf seas around the UK, for which a long-standing operational
application is storm surge prediction. Recently we have developed
the capability for ecosystem modelling, both for the global oceans
and the shelf-seas around the UK.
More
about operational ocean forecasting
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Although it is generally not possible to forecast individual weather
events more than several days in advance, it is possible to provide
useful predictions of conditions averaged over weeks to months and
over large areas. We provide experimental seasonal predictions,
covering all areas of the globe, to UK government departments, United
Nations organisations, and national meteorological services worldwide.
More-detailed forecasts (Monthly
Outlook) for up to one month ahead are produced and used by
the commercial sectors.
More about
seasonal prediction
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| Development of global
ocean models for climate prediction |
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There is a constant exchange of heat, momentum and water between
ocean and the atmosphere. The ocean acts as a heat sink to delay
climate change and ocean currents transport large amounts of heat
and water around the world. The rate of change of climate is largely
determined by processes in the ocean interior and ocean modelling
is necessary in predicting climate change.
More about ocean modelling
for climate
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| Participation in
national and international projects and groups |
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| In addition, we participate
in a number of national and international projects and groups.
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