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An ocean model based variational data assimilation system has been developed and implemented at NCEP/NOAA. This system is used to produce routine weekly and monthly analyses for the Pacific and Atlantic. Observed upper ocean temperature data from XBTs and TAO moored buoys are assimilated into the ocean model using a variational optimal interpolation method developed by Derber and Rosati (1989). The Pacific basin model has an active domain of 35°S-45°N and 120°E-70°W. Modification for the data assimilation system was developed recently to assimilate sea level data from TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite.
We have produced monthly mean retrospective analysis for the Pacific from 1980-1995. This data set was produced using the FSU wind anomalies combined with the Hellerman and Rosenstein stress climatology with assimilation of upper ocean temperature data. In addition to the temperature data, for the recent period from October 1992 to December 1995, sea level data from the TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite were also assimilated. Preliminary comparisons with independent sea level data from tide gauge for the entire analysis period, i.e. 1980-1995 showed good agreement between model analysis and observations for interannual variations of sea levels. We plan to compare our analyses with some WOCE measurements to future quantify the validity of our model based analysis, especially for regions beyond the deep tropics.
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