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General Session 1: Physical oceanic processes: Dynamics and physical-biological-biogeochemical interactions |
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Comparative study on surface flow fields using High Frequency CODAR observation and numerical modelling
GS1-17
Lei Ren* , National University of Ireland Galway
Michael Hartnett, National University of Ireland Galway
Presenter Email: lei.ren@nuigalway.ie
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| Accurate information of surface flow fields in coastal regions, in particular forecasting information, is of great importance for various activities such as oil spill response, marine renewable energy extraction and search and rescue. Flows is mainly driven by tide and wind in Galway Bay area. A ¼-scaled marine renewable test farm was set up in this area to investigate potential of marine renewable energies. In order to explore characteristics of surface flow fields in this region, a High Frequency (HF) Coastal Ocean Dynamics Radar Application (CODAR) system had been deployed to monitor near real-time surface current and wave data since 2011 summer. A numerical model focusing on simulating surface flow fields was established for Galway Bay as well. Cross-comparison between model results and radar observation was undertaken indicated that reasonable agreement existed in surface flow fields. Moreover, sequential data assimilation techniques were performed to enhance modeling ability. Significant improvements were obtained in pattern of surface currents during hindcasting period. Short-term prediction of surface flow fields was improved as well after assimilating surface currents measured by radar system into models. In summary, surface flow fields observed by the HF CODAR system can not only provide good understanding of hydrodynamic properties of surface flows in Galway Bay, assimilating of those data into the model also is an efficient approach to produce improved surface flow fields during both hindcasting and forecasting period. |
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