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Characterisation of errors of a regional model of the Bay of Biscay in response to wind uncertainties: a first step toward a data assimilation system suitable for coastal sea domains

Citation:

Quattrocchi G, De Mey P, Ayoub N, Vervatis VD, Testut CE, Reffray G, Chanut J, Drillet Y. Characterisation of errors of a regional model of the Bay of Biscay in response to wind uncertainties: a first step toward a data assimilation system suitable for coastal sea domains. Journal of Operational OceanographyJournal of Operational Oceanography [Internet]. 2014;7(2):25 - 34.

Abstract:

This study is aimed at exploring the errors of a regional model of the Bay of Biscay, a regional zoom of the IBI configuration of the ocean model NEMO, with the ultimate objective of guiding the choice and implementation of a data assimilation system in that region. An ensemble experiment was carried out by randomly perturbing winds along a base of EOFs with the aim to mimic a potential source of error in the model forecasts. A characterisation was attempted with proxy forecast errors by using statistical moments of order 1 to 4. The temporal variability of model correction patterns in a hypothetical data assimilation system was also illustrated. Significant departures from linear/Gaussian response were found, as well as well-marked non-stationarities in the error patterns. Within the limits of the experimental protocol, this could be technically applicable to other coastal areas as the study illustrates the likely limits of stationary/Gaussian data assimilation approaches in the Bay of Biscay.

Notes:

doi: 10.1080/1755876X.2014.11020156

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