Data collected from the NATO Research Vessel Alliance during the period 31 March - 6 April 2004 have been utilized to provide an estimate for the current synoptic conditions. This estimate of synoptic conditions provides the initialization conditions for the Harvard Ocean Prediction System (HOPS) model forecasts.

The MREA04/BP04 forecast and operational system consists of a set of two-way and one-way nested domains. Pictured here are the Regional, Super Mini-HOPS and the Mini-HOPS domains. The Regional domain and the Super Mini-HOPS domains share information through two-way nesting. The Super Mini-HOPS domain and the two Mini-HOPS domains are one-way nested. The specifics of the individual domains and how they were determined are given here. Results presented below are for the Super Mini-HOPS domain only.

The product package includes nowcast and forecast maps of temperature (^oC) and salinity (PSU) with superimposed vectors of sub-tidal velocity at four depth levels: 0m, 10, 50m and 450m. In addition, there are vertical sections of temperature, salinity and velocity. All products are for 1200Z of the respective day. Clicking on "Temperature", "Salinity" or "Velocity" in the table above accesses the products for that variable.

The model forecast uses data from 31 March - 6 April, 2004 in the nowcast (initial conditions). Data collected on the 7th and 8th of April were assimilated into the forecast.

Atmospheric forcing for the PE model is derived from the US Navy operational NOGAPS model. For future forecasts winds from COAMPS and ALADIN may be used. Winds during this forecast period in this region have been moderate with a consistent north to south wind over the complete Regional domain.