Data & Tools

Ocean tools

Marine research tools for visualisation, modelling and dissemination of ocean observations.

Ocean observations from remote sensing and in-situ measurements are processed and investigated by using statistical analysis tools to identify spatial-temporal patterns of the ocean variability, and by applying theoretical models of the ocean physics, biogeochemistry and of their interactions. Data are also tightly integrated into models by using data assimilation tools, which correct model predictions using the information embedded in the observations. Data and model output are processed and visualized though dedicated visualization and dissemination tools.

 

Research tools for observing, modelling and assimilating the ocean physics. The main NCEO tool for modelling the physical component of the global oceans is the NEMO ocean model which has been adopted in NOC, the UK Met Office and ECMWF as the community model of choice for research and operational developments. The NEMOVar assimilation code is being used in both the Met Office and ECMWF for operational data assimilation needs. It has recently been ported to run from a university environment on both MonSoon and Archer. The code allows assimilation of a full suite of observations including in situ ocean profiles from the quality controlled

EN4 database maintained by the Hadley Centre. Altimeter data sea level data and Sea surface temperature data can be assimilated and the NEMODataplot software package developed at the Met Office allows model and observational data to be compared. Some EO observational datasets can be mapped and explored directly with the toolboxes ncWMS and EDal.

 

Research tools for observing, modelling and assimilating the ocean biogeochemistry. The NCEO tools for modelling the biogeochemical component of the global oceans include the biogeochemical models ERSEM and MEDUSA in the near future, coupled with the hydrodynamic models GOTM, POLCOMS and NEMO. Biogeochemical ocean observations are assimilated into these models by using the Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), as well as the Equivalent Weights Particle filter (EWPF) and the Localised Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF) included in the data assimilation framework EMPIRE. Biogeochemical data, model and assimilation outputs are explored and inter-compared by using the statistical methods of the OPEC benchmarking-toolbox, and they are visualized and disseminated by using the NERC EO Data Acquisition and Analysis Service (NEODAAS), the OPEC data-portal, as well as mapped using tools such as BEAM, SNAP, Panoply and, for in situ data from floats, JCOMMOPS.

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Visualisation and Dissemination Tools
SNAP
SNAP is the future development of BEAM to encompass ESA's new Sentinel satellite formats.

This tool is owned and maintained by a third party

NCEO Contact: Shaun Quegan and Joao Carreiras (University of Sheffield)

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EDal
A modular data library package built around ncWMS.

Contact: Keith Haines (University of Reading)

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ncWMS
A fast Java Web Map Service code for viewing all kinds of NetCDF data including model output and observational data.

Contact: Keith Haines (University of Reading)

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NEMODataplot
A software package developed at the Met Office that allows model and observational data to be compared.

Contact: Keith Haines (University of Reading)

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PML Modelling Data Portal
This data portal provides visualization, analysis and downloads of model simulated ecosystem data for European Regional Seas. It was developed by the Marine Ecosystem Modelling Group of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory. Data for the North East Atlantic region were produced with the support of NCEO.

Contact: Icarus Allen (PML)

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NEODAAS Data Visualisation Portal
The portal allows you to view data which are routinely processed by NEODAAS as well data from other sources.
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Model Tools
MEDUSA (Model of Ecosystem Dynamics, nutrient Utilisation, Sequestration and Acidification)
MEDUSA is an “intermediate complexity” model of the open ocean biogeochemistry, developed by the NERC National Oceanography Centre. MEDUSA has been embedded within the NEMO ocean General Circulation Model , and this allows the simulation of the whole of the World Ocean in high resolution.

Contact: Gennadi Lessin (PML)

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ERSEM (European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model)
The ERSEM package includes a “high-complexity” biogeochemical model applicable in shelf-seas and open oceans. The code has been developed as a community modelling tool for the NERC Defra UK Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry program. ERSEM has been coupled to a range of physical models, including FVCOM, POLCOMS and NEMO, to simulate marine biogeochemistry from estuaries to the global ocean ecosystem.

Contact: Icarus Allen (PML)

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GOTM (General Ocean Turbulence Model)
This tool is a one-dimensional water column model for marine and limnological applications. It is coupled to a choice of traditional as well as state-of-the-art parameterisations for vertical turbulent mixing.

Contact: Gennadi Lessin (PML)

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NEMO (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean)
NEMO is a state-of-the-art modelling framework for oceanographic research, operational oceanography, seasonal forecast and climate studies. It is used by a large international community and it is available to the under the CeCILL license (public license).

Contact: Keith Haines (University of Reading)

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