Visualization and feasibility analysis of the Global Ocean Data Assimulation Experiment, North Atlantic Basin, September 2000 to March 2001

Abstract

The development of the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE), its relationship to the Array for Real-time Geostrophic Oceanography (ARGO) project, and Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center's role in GODAE are discussed in this thesis. The drifting buoys used for data collection are described and the data available is outlined. This thesis analyses GODAE data available from the North Atlantic Ocean, collected in near- real-time from September 1, 2000 through March 8, 2001, in order to evaluate the relative success of the experiment to date and to identify the scope of possibilities for utilizing this data both at present, and once GODAE and ARGO are fully operational. The GODAE project endeavors to be a single database, serving as a collection point for worldwide oceanographic data to be utilized in ocean climate prediction. GODAE does not offer a mechanism for visualization of the data available. This thesis analyzes the data presently available through graphic representation. Visualization products include: float trajectories, temperature (T) and salinity (S) profiles, T-S diagrams, mixed layer depths and observed temperature compared to temperature climatology.