Summary

The MERSEA ocean monitoring system is envisioned as an operational network that systematically acquires data (earth observation from satellites, in situ from ocean observing networks, and surface forcing fields from numerical weather prediction agencies). These data from diverse sources are combined and merged with numerical ocean circulation models (i.e. assimilated) to produce best estimates of the actual state of the ocean (nowcasts) and forecasts. That information is then disseminated to enable various users to develop specific applications. The project itself has identified areas of Special Focus Experiments on seasonal weather forecasting, and on ecosystem modelling in regional and shelf seas. Specific applications on marine safety concern improved wave forecasts, offshore operations, ship routing, and oil spill drift.

The project work plan is structured on a set of thirteen work packages organized in three main modules :

• observing systems and provision of data ;
  

• the design, development, implementation, integration, evaluation and validation of a co-ordinated set of monitoring and forecast systems covering the global ocean and the oceans and seas surrounding Europe ;
  

• the development and demonstration of information products, applications and services, in partnership with intermediate users.
  

Additionally, two work packages address the management and overall assessment of the project.

Click here to download the Project Summary: Description of Work (136 pages) - Exec Summary (10 pages).