Software User's Manual for the Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS)

Abstract

Abstract : Numerical models have been an effective tool in the prediction of many geophysical systems. Processes within the earth's two primary physical systems, the ocean and atmosphere, directly impact Naval operations on the mesoscale and the local PBL scale. Consequently, accurate and efficient prediction on these scales is a necessity. Scientists now consider the ocean and atmosphere as separate but fully coupled, two-way interactive fluids. Predicting the behavior of either fluid depends upon the spatial and temporal forcing applied by the other. Thus, a single numerical prediction system combining an oceanic and an atmospheric model provides more realistic representation of these two geophysical systems. Additionally in the past decade, increased computer power and technological advancements have improved computational efficiency allowing larger models, with higher resolution, multi-nested grids and complicated physics, to be developed and run for real-time forecasting purposes. When used in a research mode, the models also provide valuable insight toward understanding complex mesoscale interactions. To fully utilize modern computer resources and to meet the growing need for high resolution, coupled oceanic/atmospheric forecasts, a new model has been developed by the Naval Research Laboratory: The Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS).