Circulation Modeling
Computer models are powerful tools that help us understand conditions and predict events. Meteorologists use models to help predict weather. Oceanographers use similar models to help understand and predict complex ocean processes. The GoMOOS ocean circulation model is a sophisticated computer program to compute the currents and conditions that result when winds, waves and weather interact to produce ocean currents.
Available here:
Clicking here will take you to the University of Maine’s GoMOOS modeling page. You will see graphic (JPEG) images of temperature, salinity, and currents at various depths, sea-surface height relative to mean sea level, and graphical representations of the NOAA meteorological prediction for the Gulf of Maine region.
Models can:
- Fill the gaps. Buoys collect data only at certain limited points. A circulation model fills in the gaps, providing information about the conditions at places where there are no buoys.
- Make predictions. The model provides short-term forecasts of the circulation, sea level, salinity and temperature of the Gulf of Maine, which can help to answer questions such as:
- Where will the impact of an oil spill that happened yesterday be felt in 3 days and 3 weeks, on both the ocean surface and bottom?
- What cause and effect relationships can be recognized? If a nutrient concentration of the Gulf is high in the spring, does that indicate increase potential for harmful algal blooms in August?
A developing science
Ocean modeling is an active field of research. Dr. Huijie Xue, the GoMOOS scientist in charge of modeling, uses a model known as the Princeton Ocean Model. Every morning at around 2:00 a.m., the model downloads information from NOAA on winds, weather and other conditions. With this updated information, the model computes revised estimates of the existing and future conditions around the Gulf of Maine.
All models produce an educated guess at future ocean conditions. Ocean models perform particularly well at predicting phenomena such as tide height, but less well at predicting currents. The largest impediment to effective prediction is lack of data. Thus, GoMOOS data could revolutionize ocean prediction in the Gulf of Maine.
