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Your location: Home / Final GODAE Symposium / Poster abstracts & pdfs / 1.2 NS abstract

1.2 The History of GODAE

Lead author: Neville R. Smith

Author/co-authors: N.R. Smith¹, M. Lefebvre²

¹Bureau of Meteorology, Australia
²Avenue Cugnaux, Villeneuve, France


Abstract

This paper examines the circumstances that motivated the initiation of a Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment. Its scientific roots derive principally from the World Ocean Circulation Experiment, both in terms of the critical data streams such as altimetry and ocean profiles, and the model and data assimilation (ocean estimation) techniques. The motivation came from analyses of need in the marine environment and the desire to provide a an integrated framework for development and maintenance of the global ocean observation system. In terms of the demonstration of feasibility and practicality GODAE sought inspiration in the weather prediction community and the pivotal role of the First GARP Global Experiment. GODAE drew its strength first from the enthusiasm and dedication of the scientists who shared the vision and second from its Patrons who provided advice on the policy context as well as the core of the resource base that sustained GODAE in its formative stages. The development of a framework for sharing of and access to GODAE intellectual developments and data and products, the "GODAE Common", was essential. From the outset, GODAE promoted and facilitated development of critical datasets suited to the task of ocean estimation and prediction, GODAE played a formative role in both Argo and GHRSST and was active in developing efficient data assembly methods. GODAE pioneered a governance model that emphasised autonomy while at the same time retaining focus on the framework that would sustained GODAE's systems in the long term. The combination of good ideas, visionary agencies and good people underpinned the achievements of GODAE.

Key words: history, ocean, analysis, prediction, observation, models, assimilation

(Last Updated: 13-10-2008)