GOSI operational model use case statement

[ukmo-ansaulter]

Issue describes the primary operational short-medium range forecast use cases for global ocean models, and key variables which should maintain or improve performance under GOSI configuration development.

Use case 1: Atmospheric model surface boundary layer
Primarily quality of SST (minimal bias, good description of geographic variation and rapid changes greater than 1 degree). Secondary, accurate depiction of (strong) surface currents and surface roughness (when including coupled wave model).

Use case 2: Sub-surface T,S profile
Primarily quality of speed of sound profile, requirement to extend validity from deep ocean into shelf regions (e.g. southeast Asia, Arctic)

Use case 3: Position of ocean fronts
Ability of model to accurately depict ocean fronts, ideally in speed of sound, but more realistically temperature

Use case 4: Search and Rescue/Marine Pollution response/Object tracking
Primarily quality of surface currents (strength, direction and timing of changes at hourly frequency) and resultant drift from top 1m to 15m. Secondary variable water temperature (survivability).

(Emerging) Use case 5: Navigable waters in Arctic
Primarily sea-ice coverage and concentration, quality of currents for predicting drift of free ice. Secondary, water temperature for ship icing forecasts.

(Emerging) Use case 6: Position of ocean eddies

(Anticipated) Use case 7: Sea-surface height/surge under tropical storms