Coastal Model

As part of this proposal, the nested coastal ocean model will be refined under a collaborative effort between the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and the LSU. The coastal model is nested and driven by the basin scale Intra-Americas Sea Ocean Nowcast/Forecast System (IASNFS). Boundary conditions from the global NCOM model (use NASA results) are applied to the IASNFS Intra Americas Sea model that influences the simulated output of the coastal model.

The Gulf Coastal Model will be nested within the NRL Intra-Americas Sea regional model and have a resolution of about 2 km, a 2.5 to 1 reduction from the Intra-Americas Sea model.  It is based on the NCOM model providing outputs of sea level variation, and 3-D ocean currents, temperature and salinity. Model topography is based on the NRL DBDB2 and the NGDC hydrographic data with a domain that includes both shallow and deeper shelf waters. This model is driven by wind, heat fluxes, solar radiation, and air pressure. Model outputs will be improved as part of this proposal with the assimilation of tides, River discharge, and better topography into the model.