Mooring data are purposely not assimilated in these re-analyses simulations so that they can be utilized as independent data for the evaluation of the simulations.
A major improvement of this latest re-analysis are the updated model initial and boundary conditions. This was achieved through the inclusion of additional synoptic data (WODB, GTSPP) and pseudo profiles to bolster the shelf-break front; correcting the WOA climatology for the slope to match the 2006 conditions; better defining the shelfbreak T/S front FM (steepness and location of foot); improving the Gulf Stream T/S FM based on synoptic data; and, utilizing transport feature models for the Gulf Stream, slope recirculation gyre and shelfbreak front. Data processing of the data was also improved (extending shallow profiles to the surface; improved deep WOA climatology; corrected SST). The time dependent boundary conditions were also updated to permit better radiation of outgoing waves.
Overall, the improvements include: improved initial and boundary conditions and feature models (FM) (see above); the vertical discretization (which now consists of 100 optimized vertical levels); atmospheric forcing with improved E-P and direct fluxes from WRF/NOGAPS, including improved melding between WRF & NOGAPS; updated OTIS tidal forcing; data assimilation which is weaker and more frequent with shorter space scales; and model parameters of vertical mixing (wind mixing, PP background mixing), horizontal mixing and bottom friction which have been better fit to data.
WRF, NOGAPS and COAMPS data sets were carefully compared and evaluated; flux by flux and field by field. Among these, we then selected the most appropriate combination of fields to create our best estimates of the atmospheric forcing (available for whole IODA team). The final product is a combination of WRF and NOGAPS fluxes. Available data was collected and examined for use in the reanalysis initial conditions and assimilation and in the evaluation of the multitude of individual simulations (around 1000 simulations were inter-compared).
SW06 Domain
AW06 Domain
