Ocean physics span a wide spectrum of scales from global to wind-driven surface waves.  Predicting these features requires a range of understanding across the full spectrum of spatial scales.  The first is understanding underlying physics involving the forces of planetary rotation, the vertical stratification of density, and horizontal gradients of pressure.  Scale separation can help reveal some of the dynamical balances, and further studies require application of realistic numerical models.  The second part is understanding the vast range of ocean observations and the particular information each instrument may reveal of these physical processes.  These observations include satellite and in situ.  Finally, the third part is utilizing observations to make corrections to numerical ocean model forecasts.  This requires combining the understanding of both the physics and the observation systems.  This is an opportunity to expand the scientific understanding of all these areas and demonstrate the advancement of ocean prediction across broad ranges of scales.

Jacobs, Gregg, Joseph D’Addezio, Brent Bartels, Chris DeHaan, Charlie Barron, Matthew Carrier, Andrey Shcherbina, and Mathieu Dever. "Adapting constrained scales to observation resolution in ocean forecasts." Ocean Modelling 186 (2023): 102252.

Jacobs, Gregg, Joseph M. D’Addezio, Hans Ngodock, and Innocent Souopgui. "Observation and model resolution implications to ocean prediction." Ocean Modelling 159 (2021): 101760.

Jacobs, G.A., D'Addezio, J.M., Bartels, B. and Spence, P.L., 2021. Constrained scales in ocean forecasting. Advances in Space Research, 68(2), pp.746-761.

 Jacobs, Gregg A., Charlie N. Barron, Cheryl A. Blain, Matthew J. Carrier, Joseph M. D'Addezio, Robert W. Helber, Jackie C. May et al. Operational ocean data assimilation. NAVAL RESEARCH LAB STENNIS DETACHMENT STENNIS SPACE CENTER MS, 2018.

 

key words

oceanography; fluid dynamics; geophysical fluid dynamics; data assimilation; numerical modeling; ocean prediction; satellite oceanography

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants