Operational Evaluation of ADCIRC-2DDI as Applied to the Western North Atlantic Ocean

The model forecast system comprising the finite element-based hydrodynamic model ADCIRC-2DDI, the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS), and the Grenoble tidal database (FES95.2.1) is evaluated in the Western North Atlantic Ocean under an operational test (OPTEST) defined by the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO). Using tidal forcing at the open boundary, model forecasts of water elevations are made with and without wind forcing and compared to observations available through the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA). The model forecast system, configuration. and implementation are described at length with respect to the definition of the operational test. data processing, and evaluation criteria. Model predictions fall within the acceptable Navy standard of 20% RMS amplitude error and 60 minutes phase error for both the tides-only and wind- and tidally-driven forecasts. Original contains color plates: All DTIC reproductions will be in black and white.