Episode 1 – Description
Since 7 May 2024 the latest versions of Weather4D have been enriched with several new weather and ocean models (¹). Among the latter, ultra-high resolution current and wave forecast models from’Ifremer come in addition to Copernicus models (formerly called MyOcean) for the Channel and Atlantic coasts. These forecasts are provided with hectometric grids, can be reduced up to 190 meters for some models. So Ifremer, what is ?
French research institute for the exploitation of the sea
Ifremer conducts research, innovates and produces expertise to protect the ocean, exploit its resources responsibly and share marine data.„
Behind this simple definition hides an immense field of research and scientific studies covering all oceanic areas and concerning the protection of ecosystems., resource management, and also the sharing of scientific data linked to this expertise. Among the many actions carried out, sea state modeling projects are developed to predict future developments based on the data collected, and thus provide indicators to the scientific community, to the institutions concerned, and other users for various application sectors. One of these projects will be of particular interest to our “small” level of use, the MARC project, because it will provide us with the coastal current and wave forecasts which have just been introduced into Weather4D.
The MARC project
The project “ Modeling and Analysis for Coastal Research » contributes to the development of digital models, in order to serve the research community for very diverse applications. It is implemented by the Physical and Space Oceanography Laboratory (²), a unit made up of several research organizations, hosted by Ifremer.
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The MARS2D model
Throughout the Channel and Atlantic coasts, MARS2D models provide current forecasts, sea levels and surges. Forecasts are obtained by operating numerical models, calculated by computer, from the geography of the coast and the seabed, as well as meteorological and oceanic data which initiate and force all these dynamics.
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The wave modeling chain
Sea state forecasts are carried out, for most calculations, with the WAVEWATCH III® code developed as part of a collaboration between the United States Weather Service (NOAA/NCEP), SHOM, the University of Darmstadt in Germany, and other partners. Wave simulations are provided every 3 hours steps (1h when the tide is taken into account).
Current and wave forecasts used in Weather4D are broadcast and converted to GRIB2 format from the Ifremer Data Center (³).
Warning on the use of the information provided
The MARC site is made available to the public free of charge. The information available on the MARC site is only indicative.. They cannot under any circumstances be perceived or used, with absolute reliability, by any legal or natural person carrying out a personal or professional activity. Access to the MARC site implies knowledge and unreserved acceptance of these warning notices.. MARC does not in any way replace forecasting services, vigilance and alerts by Weather France nor the tide predictions of the SHOM which remain the national references in the matter.
To be continued… Episode 2 – Illustrations
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(¹) Weather4D renews its GRIB model offering
(²) LIVESTOCK
(³) CEDOCO
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Thank you for this good news !
Once again useful information. Merci.