High-resolution ocean models are developing rapidly. With increasing computing power it is now possible to simulate ocean circulation, ecosystem dynamics and the distribution and productivity of key marine species with remarkable detail and realism. The NOC and PML are world leaders in ocean model development and application. Such global ocean models now underpin the development of Blue Economies and sustainable resource management around the world, allowing marine scientists to address issues such as adverse impacts of climate change and marine pollution, or carry out resource characterisation and deliver information relevant to food security.

Output from global climate and biogeochemical ocean models are available for free from archives in Europe and the USA. Developing regional capacity to analyse state-of-the-art global models for regional applications is rapidly becoming the most cost-effective way forward in regions where local capability to develop advanced predictive systems is limited. However, interpreting model output to deliver relevant information for resource management or climate change adaptation is a specialist skill which requires a good grasp not only of methodologies for model validation, analysis and visualisation, but also a thorough understanding of the marine environment and the challenges facing a particular region.  

In SOLSTICE UK and WIO scientists will be working together to select and analyse model output parameters that are of most interest to the region, and combine this with data from observations (in situ and satellite) to deliver information that will be of use to policy makers and resource managers in the region.

Current speeds in the Indian Ocean. Output from the NEMO global model.