Model Capabilities - NCOF - The National Centre for Ocean Forecasting

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Forecast Model Capabilities

This page contains ratings of the Development Status of NCOF operational forecast models and their configurations. The ratings are developed based upon assessments of model Scientific Pedigree, available Validation data, and ongoing Application. Follow this link to get more information on how the model status is classified.

Wave Modelling - Met Office Wave Model (2nd Generation)

Configuration (resolution, domain)
PedigreeValidationApplicationDevelopment Status
UK Waters (12km, 48N-63N, 12W-13E)
EstablishedFullCommunity Wide Well Developed
European (35km, 30N-65N, 14W-42E)
Established
Full
Community Wide
Well Developed
NAE (12km, 30N-66N, 60W-42E)
Established
Scientific
Experimental
Experimental
Global (60km, 80S-80N, 180W-180E)
Established
Full
Community Wide
Well Developed

Modelling the Deep Ocean

Configuration (resolution, domain)
PedigreeValidationApplicationDevelopment Status
Global FOAM (1 degree) EstablishedOperationalDemonstratedDevelopmental
Atlantic and Arctic FOAM (1/3 degree)
EstablishedOperational Demonstrated Developmental
North Atlantic FOAM (1/9 degree) Established Operational Demonstrated Developmental
Mediterranean FOAM (1/9 degree)
Established
Operational Demonstrated Developmental

Modelling the Coastal Seas

Configuration (resolution, domain)
PedigreeValidation
Application
Development Status
POLCOMS AMM (12km, 40N-65N, 20W-10E)
Leading Operational Demonstrated Developmental
POLCOMS MRCS (6km, 48N-62N, 12W-10E) Leading Operational Experimental
Developmental
POLCOMS Irish Sea (1NM, 50N-58N, 8W-0W)
Leading Operational Experimental
Developmental

Modelling Ecosystems

Configuration (resolution, domain)
Pedigree
Validation
Application
Development Status
POLCOMS MRCS - ERSEM (6km, 48N-62N, 12W-10E)
Scientific
Scientific Experimental Experimental

How the model status is classified

Our classification of model Development Status is provided based on assessing where we believe each model and configuration sits upon a development curve comprising three sub-categories:

  • Pedigree;
  • Validation;
  • Application.

Each sub-category is awarded an Orange, Amber or Green status based upon criteria involving peer acceptance, usage and corroborating data. The Development Status is then awarded according to:

  • Well Developed (Green): sub-categories comprise 2 Green + 1 Amber;
  • Developmental (Amber): between Well Developed and Experimental;
  • Experimental (Orange): sub-categories comprise 2 or more Orange.

Sub-category ratings are described as:

Pedigree:

  • Leading (Green): wide acknowledgement in the scientific community as the leading model in its class;
  • Established (Amber): well known and understood model with a proven track record;
  • Scientific (Orange): cutting edge model development still to develop a track record.

Validation:

  • Full (Green): validated for both generic application over the whole model domain on a daily basis and demonstrated benefit to specific sites or operating decisions;
  • Operational (Amber): validated for generic application over the whole model domain on a daily basis;
  • Scientific (Orange): validated in application to specific scientific problems.

Application:

  • Community Wide (Green): used for a wide range of operational decisions by a number of different marine users;
  • Demonstrated (Amber): demonstrated application for specific tasks in an individual or small number of marine sectors;
  • Scientific (Orange): used for scientific research only.

Detailed evidence of model Pedigree and Validation are provided in model pages under the Operational Ocean Forecasting section of this site. Details of Application are described in our Products and Services section.

(Last Updated: 10-03-2008)