| 17 | | * '''HYCOM is a model, not reality.''' While HYCOM has a high spatial resolution, is very sophisticated, has been under refinement for years, has been tested extensively against in situ measurements and satellite estimates, and uses assimilation to improve its accuracy, it is important to keep in mind that HYCOM is a model. If you have in situ or satellite data available, we recommend you compare it against HYCOM data and form your own opinion about whether HYCOM provides enough accuracy for your situation. [[BR]][[BR]] Below is visual comparison of a relatively cloud-free GOES satellite SST image and a corresponding HYCOM SST image for the Gulf Stream. As you can see, the HYCOM image resembles the GOES image at a broad spatial scale, but the fine scale structure looks fairly different. Also, the HYCOM SST appears to be several degrees warmer than the GOES SST south of the Gulf Stream. [[BR]][[BR]] These differences may or may not be important, depending on how the data are used. In showing this comparison, we make no recommendation one way or the other. We simply urge you to make your own comparison and decide for yourself. It is very difficult to model the fine scale structure and dynamics of the Gulf Stream, so it is not surprising to find fine scale differences. Better correspondance might be observed elsewhere, in less dynamic regions. Also, the HYCOM model shown here is a "free run" that simulated the global ocean without attempting to increase accuracy by assimilating in situ or satellite measurements. More recent HYCOM models that use assimilation may provide better results. |
| | 17 | * '''HYCOM is a model, not reality.''' While HYCOM has a high spatial resolution, is very sophisticated, has been under refinement for years, has been tested extensively against in situ measurements and satellite estimates, and uses assimilation to improve its accuracy, it is important to keep in mind that HYCOM is a model. If you have in situ or satellite data available, we recommend you compare it against HYCOM data and form your own opinion about whether HYCOM provides enough accuracy for your situation. [[BR]][[BR]] Below is visual comparison of a relatively cloud-free GOES satellite SST image and a corresponding HYCOM SST image for the Gulf Stream. As you can see, the HYCOM image resembles the GOES image at a broad spatial scale, but the fine scale structure looks fairly different. Also, the HYCOM SST appears to be several degrees warmer than the GOES SST south of the Gulf Stream. [[BR]][[BR]] These differences may or may not be important, depending on how the data are used. In showing this comparison, we make no recommendation one way or the other. We simply urge you to make your own comparison and decide for yourself. It is very difficult to model the fine scale structure and dynamics of the Gulf Stream, so it is not surprising to find fine scale differences. Better correspondance might be observed elsewhere, in less dynamic regions. Also, the HYCOM model shown here is a "free run" that simulated the global ocean without attempting to increase accuracy by assimilating in situ or satellite measurements. More recent HYCOM models that use assimilation will provide better results. |
