Physical-Biological-Optics Model Development and Simulation

Modeling and predicting ocean optical properties for coastal waters requires linking optical properties with the physical, chemical, and biological processes in the upper ocean. Our long-term goal is to incorporate optical processes into coupled physical-biological models for coastal waters, develop and improve integrated ocean forecasting systems, including prediction of ocean optical properties. OBJECTIVES 1) To improve performance of the coupled physical-biological model, which is based on the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) and Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) for the California Current System (CCS); 2) To incorporate optical variables into the improved coupled 3D physical-biological model for the CCS; 3) To use these variables to drive a radiative transfer model (EcoLight) that will simulate and predict the subsurface light field as well as the ocean’s color; 4) To conduct NCOM-biological-optical model simulations for the Monterey Bay for the period of the intensive field experiments, such as BioSpace in Monterey Bay 2008 (June 2008), and use the bio optical measurements to constrain and improve the model performance