Daily Forecasts
Quick links to forecast products: River-shelf f26, River-shelf f22.
The salinity forecast animation above is for the current day and divided into four areas. The left side is a a wide scale map of surface salinity. The image next to it is focused on the area around the plume. The top right shows the surface salinity and the lower right shows the bottom salinity in the Columbia River. Note: The animation above is best viewed using the full screen option of this flash player by clicking on the button in the lower right of the player. This animation is derived from the f22 forecast and is updated daily.
Among the capabilities of the Virtual Columbia River are multiple daily forecasts of 4D (space-time) circulation. Domain, length of simulation and timing of execution vary with the actual forecast--as does forecast skill.
The primary goal of the daily forecasts is to assist near real-time planning and interpretation of scientific field campaigns. Starting in the second quarter of 2010, the retrospective part of selected forecasts will also contribute directly to the maintenance of the simulation databases, of the virtual Columbia River.
Forecasts are maintained and evaluated year-round, in part to allow the continuous assessment and enhancement of their prediction skill, and in part as a service to the scientific community and educators. During campaigns, and upon request, a land-based modeling team operates in support of chief scientists aboard vessels. Support includes guidance in the use and interpretation of forecasts, product customization and in-depth assessment of skill.
The list below provides an inventory of forecasts that are routinely maintained. Click on any forecast name for a description and access to associated products. This is an interface designed for insight into physical processes and simulation skill, via a set of pre-defined products. Updated daily, the interface allows visualization of current and past forecasts, including quantitative skill metrics.
- Forecast f22:
A river-to-shelf forecast emulating the modeling choices of simulation database DB22. It is launched around noon daily and finishes around 4 hours later allowing for 2 full forecast days. - Forecast f26:
A river-to-shelf forecast emulating the modeling choices of simulation database DB26 (in progress). It is launched around noon daily and finishes around 8 hours later allowing for 2 full forecast days.
