The Carolinas Coastal Ocean Observing and Prediction System (CARO-COOPS): A User-Driven System

Abstract

The Carolinas Coastal Ocean Observing and Prediction System (Caro-COOPS) is a wholly integrated system for coastal observations and their application to user-driven needs, including 1) an array of instrumented moorings in the South Atlantic Bight off the Carolinas; 2) a comprehensive data management system, essential for aggregation, organization, standardization, visualization, and dissemination of high quality, real-time data; and 3) an advanced suite of integrated models that will markedly improve the predictive capacities of real-time physical data from coastal ocean instrumentation. The central goal of Caro-COOPS is prediction of coastal ocean processes. The current array comprises four moorings systems and three water level/meteorological stations (WLSs) situated along three cross-isobath lines, extending from Sunset Beach, NC, north of Charleston Harbor (Capers Island), SC and north of Hilton Head (Fripp Inlet), SC. A range of oceanographic and atmospheric data is transmitted back in near-real time using Iridium and GOES satellite telemetry technology. Automated program notification scripts were developed and incorporated into the communications system to alert field operations staff to the latest conditions at each buoy. A sophisticated data management system has been developed to optimize information dissemination via the Web interface and to provide data input for storm surge prediction models. An initial demonstration of the real-time interdisciplinary forecast concept for Caro-COOPS is real-time prediction and analyses of storm surge and flooding before and during landfall of coastal storms. The current focus is on the development of map-based products that can be used by emergency managers to assist decision-making. During the 2004 hurricane season, we were able to test our product's design, delivery, and internal workflow during the approaches of Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Gaston, and Jeanne. Storm surge forecasts and storm surge probability of inundation maps were created based on updated hurricane track forecasts issued by the NHC. These forecasts were transformed into static and animated GIS data layers of flooding depths and drying times associated with storm surge and were posted to a restricted Web site, accessed only by South Carolina Emergency Management Division. On the basis of these initial runs, enhancements will be incorporated before the next hurricane season. Our goal is to enable improved warnings and provide state and local officials with information needed for mitigation, preparedness, and prevention measures. Most recently, Caro-COOPS has also been laying the groundwork for a pilot project that applies coastal ocean data and predictions capabilities to the development of tools that support commercial and recreational fisheries and their management. Implementation of Caro-COOPS involves collaborative interactions with other observing systems programs, particularly the Coastal Ocean Research Program (CORMP) at University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the multi-institutional SouthEast Coastal Ocean Observing System (SEACOOS), and the emerging Southeast Coastal Ocean Observations Regional Association (SECOORA) promoted by OceanUS