Eric P. Chassignet - Böcker

The realism of large-scale numerical ocean models has improved dramatically, in part because modern computers permit a more faithful representation of the differential equations by their algebraic analogues. Equally significant has been the improved understanding of physical processes on space and time scales smaller than those that can be represented in such models. Some of the most challenging issues remaining in ocean modelling are associated with parameterizing the effects of these high-frequency, small-spatial-scale processes. The success of any large-scale numerical simulation depends directly on the choices that are made for the parameterization of various subgrid processes. These choices are often constrained by the overall model architecture and may be more or less natural to the particular model design. A good understanding of parameterizations and their impact on the modelled ocean circulations is crucial to the large international projects seeking to achieve global simulations. In parallel, several large observational programs are underway, both from space and in situ, dealing with the short and long time scales.These observations are in turn leading to improvements in available parameterizations.

The realism of large-scale numerical ocean models has improved dramatically, in part because modern computers permit a more faithful representation of the differential equations by their algebraic analogues. Equally significant has been the improved understanding of physical processes on space and time scales smaller than those that can be represented in such models. Some of the most challenging issues remaining in ocean modelling are associated with parameterizing the effects of these high-frequency, small-spatial-scale processes. The success of any large-scale numerical simulation depends directly on the choices that are made for the parameterization of various subgrid processes. These choices are often constrained by the overall model architecture and may be more or less natural to the particular model design. A good understanding of parameterizations and their impact on the modelled ocean circulations is crucial to the large international projects seeking to achieve global simulations. In parallel, several large observational programs are underway, both from space and in situ, dealing with the short and long time scales.These observations are in turn leading to improvements in available parameterizations.

Buoyancy is one of the main forces driving flows on our planet, especially in the oceans and atmosphere. These flows range from buoyant coastal currents to dense overflows in the ocean, and from avalanches to volcanic pyroclastic flows on the Earth's surface. This book brings together contributions by leading world scientists to summarize our present theoretical, observational, experimental and modeling understanding of buoyancy-driven flows. Buoyancy-driven currents play a key role in the global ocean circulation and in climate variability through their impact on deep-water formation. Buoyancy-driven currents are also primarily responsible for the redistribution of fresh water throughout the world's oceans. This book is an invaluable resource for advanced students and researchers in oceanography, geophysical fluid dynamics, atmospheric science and the wider Earth sciences who need a state-of-the-art reference on buoyancy-driven flows.

Buoyancy is one of the main forces driving flows on our planet, especially in the oceans and atmosphere. These flows range from buoyant coastal currents to dense overflows in the ocean, and from avalanches to volcanic pyroclastic flows on the Earth's surface. This book brings together contributions by leading world scientists to summarize our present theoretical, observational, experimental and modeling understanding of buoyancy-driven flows. Buoyancy-driven currents play a key role in the global ocean circulation and in climate variability through their impact on deep-water formation. Buoyancy-driven currents are also primarily responsible for the redistribution of fresh water throughout the world's oceans. This book is an invaluable resource for advanced students and researchers in oceanography, geophysical fluid dynamics, atmospheric science and the wider Earth sciences who need a state-of-the-art reference on buoyancy-driven flows.

Progress in a wide range of ocean research and applications depends upon the prompt and dependable availability of ocean information products. The field of physical oceanography has matured to a point where it is now conceivable to combine numerical models and observations via data assimilation in order to provide ocean prediction products on various spatial and time scales. As a result, many nations have begun large-scale efforts to provide routine products to the oceanographic community. The Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE) provides a framework for these efforts, i. e. , a global system of observations, communications, modeling, and assimilation that will deliver regular, comprehensive information on the state of the oceans, in a way that will promote and engender wide utility and availability of this resource for maximum benefit to the community. The societal benefit will be an increased knowledge of the marine environment and ocean climate, predictive skills for societal, industrial, and commercial benefit and tactical and strategic advantage, as well as the provision of a comprehensive and integrated approach to the oceans. We therefore considered it timely, given the international context, to bring together leading scientists to summarize our present knowledge in ocean modeling, ocean observing systems, and data assimilation to present an integrated view of oceanography and to introduce young scientists to the current state of the field and to a wide range of applications.