MFSTEP

MFSTEP: Mediterranean Forecasting System : Toward Environmental Prediction

Duration: March 2003 to March 2006 (3 years)     Contact:

Since March 2003, CLS has been involved in the European project MFSTEP - Mediterranean Forecasting System, which aims to develop an operational forecasting system for the Mediterranean sea. A first version of the system had been set up during MFSPP - Mediterranean Forecasting System Pilot Project, and MFSTEP will lead to the operational system. This system is based upon three main components, the near real time observing system, the numerical forecasting system, the forecast products dissemination to end users.

CLS tasks:

Satellite data :

• Improvement and updating of the near real time altimetric data process GFO data will be integrated, the processing scheme will be improved for the altimetric mapping procedure, (correlated and uncorrelated measurement errors, problem of island or continent), and the wet troposhere will be improved.

• Weekly altimetric data production Along track altimetric data and altimetric maps will be produced on a weekly basis. Data will be processed and distributed by the SSALTO/DUACS center.

• Calculation of a mean dynamic topography This mean dynamic topography will allow to get absolute dynamic topography, to better assimilate altimetric data and to have a better interpretation of variability signals in Mediterranean Sea.

• MedARGO data will be simulated first and combined with numerical simulation from the project, then used to reconstruct the Mediterranean Sea and be compared with the reference. The contribution of MedArgo data will be analysed.

Users:

Satellite observed data will be integrated into modelling systems for use in regional, coastal and ecosystem model prediction.

More:

• Official web site : http://www.bo.ingv.it/mfstep/
• Web site set up by CLS for MFSPP : http://www.cls.fr/mfspp/