Experiment evaluates ocean models and data assimiliation in the Gulf Stream

Using data sets of known quality as the basis for comparison, a recent experiment explored the Gulf Stream Region at 27°–47°N and 80°–50°W to assess the nowcast/forecast capability of specific ocean models and the impact of data assimilation. Scientists from five universities and the Naval Research Laboratory/Stennis Space Center participated in the Data Assimilation and Model Evaluation Experiment (DAMEÉ‐GSR). DAMEÉ‐GSR was based on case studies, each successively more complex, and was divided into three phases using case studies (data) from 1987 and 1988. Phase I evaluated models' forecast capability using common initial conditions and comparing model forecast fields with observational data at forecast time over a 2‐week period. Phase II added data assimilation and assessed its impact on forecast capability, using the same case studies as in phase I, and phase III added a 2‐month case study overlapping some periods in Phases I and II.