RSMAS/MPO Coastal and Shelf Modeling

The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) HYCOM model domain and bathymetry (contours in m). The current model set-up serves as a regional model used for Gulf of Mexico studies and to provide boundary conditions for nested shelf and coastal models in the Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGoM-HYCOM), West Florida Shelf (WFS-HYCOM) and South Florida (SoFLA-HYCOM).

In collaboration with Pat Hogan and Ole-Martin Smedstad, Naval Research Lab - Stennis Space Center

RESOLUTION:

~3.5km (0.04°) or ~7km (0.08°), 20 or 26 vertical levels (isopycnic/z-coordinates in deep water, sigma coordinates over shelf)

NESTED: Yes

OUTER MODELS:

ATL-HYCOM, GLB-HYCOM

DATA ASSIMILATION:

Yes, using the Navy Coupled Ocean Data Assimilation NCODA scheme

FORCING:

Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System NOGAPS (1 degree)

APPLICATIONS:

• Loop Current Dynamics
• Initial and Boundary Conditions for Shelf and Coastal Models
• Hurricane Response
• Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs)
• Navy Coupled Ocean Data Assimilation (NCODA)
• Hurricane Response (Animation)

CONTACT:

George Halliwell — ghalliwell@rsmas.miami.edu
Villy Kourafalou — vkourafalou@rsmas.miami.edu