Mediterranean ocean Forecasting System: Toward Environmental Predictions

The main goal of the MFTSEP is to advance monitoring technology to achieve maximum reliability of the Near Real Time observing system, to demostrate practical feasibility of the regional and shelf forecasting in several Mediterranean sub-regions (3 and 1.5 km) and to start the development of end-users interfaces for exploitation of project results. MFSTEP will introduce in MFS new elements of multidisciplinary and multiparameter observing system components, together with modelling components that will allow in the succesive phase to carry out marine biochemical fluxes predictions. The specific objectives of the MFSTEP are to improve and expand existing large scale monitoring system; to add new observing system components in terms of biochemical measurements and new automated technology; to improve 10 days basin scale forecast and to demonstrate feasibility of near real time five days forecasts in different shelf areas; to develop asinhronous ocean-atmosphere coupling over regional and shelf areas; to develop three-dimensional biochemical models coupled to the forecasting system for future prediction of ecosystem variability; to consilidate and disseminate forecasts in a wide users community and develop applications for end users. (Abstract Excerpts)