Model-Observations Synergy in the Coastal Ocean
Synergie modèles-données dans l'océan côtier
Résumé
Integration of observations of the coastal ocean continuum, from regional oceans to
shelf seas and estuaries/deltas with models, can substantially increase the value of
observations and enable a wealth of applications. In particular, models can play a critical
role at connecting sparse observations, synthesizing them, and assisting the design of
observational networks; in turn, whenever available, observations can guide coastal
model development. Coastal observations should sample the two-way interactions
between nearshore, estuarine and shelf processes and open ocean processes, while
accounting for the different pace of circulation drivers, such as the fast atmospheric,
hydrological and tidal processes and the slower general ocean circulation and climate
scales. Because of these challenges, high-resolution models can serve as connectors
and integrators of coastal continuum observations. Data assimilation approaches
can provide quantitative, validated estimates of Essential Ocean Variables in the
coastal continuum, adding scientific and socioeconomic value to observations through
applications (e.g., sea-level rise monitoring, coastal management under a sustainable
ecosystem approach, aquaculture, dredging, transport and fate of pollutants, maritime
safety, hazards under natural variability or climate change). We strongly recommend
an internationally coordinated approach in support of the proper integration of global
and coastal continuum scales, as well as for critical tasks such as community-agreed
bathymetry and coastline products.
Domaines
Océan, Atmosphère
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