Justification
The theme proposed herein is extremely relevant. The State of Bahia presents one of the most interesting and diversified geological features in Brazil, being a region with strong vocation for mineral, water and energy resources. Therefore, over the years, disputes over mineral activity and water usage both at local, and regional levels, as well as oil activity, the implementation of wind farms, and the occupation of the coastal zone have resulted in increasing demands on the part of society for solutions and scientific answers to those conflicts. Today, there is an unprecedented ability to observe nature, both with remote sensing through satellites, and with in situ data. There are numerous physical quantities to be sampled and some data can be obtained solely indirectly by means of diagnoses. In addition, the observed data are very limited to provide information on future conditions of the climate system and its components, due to its chaotic feature, and changes of anthropic origin. The state-of-the-art models of the climate system are now fundamental tools for the understanding of this system and its evolution. They contribute to the definition of policies aiming human sustainability on Earth. On the other hand, climatic changes during the Anthropocene are expected to affect the physical, biological and biogeochemical characteristics of coastal zones and oceans, modifying their ecological structure, their functions, and the different services provided to humanity. These changes have the potential to cause serious socioeconomic impacts on local (coastal zone), regional (platform and offshore), and global (ocean) scales. The vulnerability of coastal populations to these changes can only be adequately assessed in the context of predictions of changes in the natural environment. In short, the theme proposed here is broad and interdisciplinary, being of fundamental importance the dialogue between the different fields of action of Geosciences and between other areas of knowledge in view of its wide range and diversity of approaches. For all those reasons, the search for internationalization in Geosciences is fundamental for guaranteeing and expanding access to new technologies and reference laboratories, as well as for integrating research carried out locally into a more global context of educational and technological change, thus promoting adaptability to new conditions and innovations.
Goal
To develop oceanographic data assimilation methods and applications in the Atlantic Ocean for process studies and the short-term predictability of the HYCOM model.
Description
The Oceanographic Modeling and Observation Network (REMO) was created in 2007 to promote the development of operational oceanography in Brazil. Today, UFRJ, UFBA, the Hydrographic Center of the Brazilian Navy (CHM) and CENPES/Petrobras participate in REMO. Operational oceanography involves the collection and processing of observed data, oceanic numerical forecasting with data assimilation and data dissemination, simulations, and forecasts for the various stakeholders for meteooceanographic information, such as the offshore oil and gas industry, and environmental sectors and safety of navigation. Much of the predictability of the oceanic model is associated with the quality of the initial condition, produced by the data assimilation methods (MADs), and the quality of the atmospheric forcings. Particularly at UFBA, the REMO data assimilation system, called RODAS, was built together with the Hybrid-Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). In December 2010, REMO was admitted to the international GODAE OceanView (GOV) project (www.godae-oceanview.org) for the development of operational oceanography around the world. This project has opened up several opportunities for international collaboration, especially in the MADs. Thus, the specific objectives of this action are focused on the improvement of the HYCOM + RODAS system through: (i) implementation of more sophisticated and efficient MADs; (ii) assimilation of a larger set of observed data; (iii) use of more precise atmospheric model outputs. Results from HYCOM + WHEELS will be used for predictability studies and studies of oceanic processes and ocean-atmosphere interaction with emphasis on the Atlantic Ocean. These results and the modeling infrastructure may be employed in a range of applications in studies of present climate, climate change and the environment.
Partner Countries
- Mozambique
- France
- Italy
- Ireland
- Canada
- China
- Australia
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Germany
- Spain
- The United States
- Norway
- Portugal
- Japan
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Sweden
- South Africa
- Angola
- Colombia
- Cuba
- The United Kingdom