Model Development and Evaluation

West Florida Shelf Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model Domains (WFS-HYCOM)
Model Development and Evaluation

West Florida Shelf runs are being used to test improvements to HYCOM that will improve performance as a coastal ocean model. Tests to date include determining the optimal vertical coordinate structure for coastal regions (see the cross-section below) and improvements in the representation of coastal freshwater runoff. Tests will be conducted shortly for tidal forcing and wetting/drying capability at the coastline so that processes such as coastal inundation can be simulated.

DESCRIPTION:
West Florida Shelf runs are also being used to evaluate the quality of offshore ocean variability (Loop Current and eddies) being provided by the different outer models that provide boundary conditions to the coastal model.

Results are validated through interaction with the Ocean Modeling and Prediction Laboratory (OMPL) and the Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Prediction System (COMPS) of the University of South Florida (USF).

CONTACT:
George Halliwell — ghalliwell@rsmas.miami.edu