This ocean model is operated at 800m resolution covering the Norwegian

Coastal areas. This specific dataset provides the hourly forecast from

the operational model. This is a rolling archive where only the most

recent data are presented online. For historical purposes, the daily

analysis is provided as another dataset. If for some reason the

historical forecast is required, pleased use the contact information

provided to receive this (manual task).

A numerical model is applied to describe the dynamics of the oceans, such

as sea level variations (tides and storm surge), movements in the water

column (currents) and the salinity and temperature. To simulate the ocean,

a 3-D grid is applied with different sizes, i.e., small grids for fine

scale or detailed calculations, and larger or coarser grids to cover

larger areas (and depth). The model runs on a supercomputer, and provides

forecasts of sea level, currents, salinity and temperature for a

time-range between 66 (2.75 days) and 240 hours (10 days). The model is

run operationally, i.e, in a "24/7/365" environment to provide a 99.5%

stability on a yearly basis. Currents from the model is further applied in

emergency-models that simulates pathways of oil slicks and drifting

objects (Search And Rescue).

The ocean model used is the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). This is

a three-dimensional, free-surface, terrain-following numerical model that

solve the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using the hydrostatic

and Boussinesq assumptions (Haidvogel et al., 2008).

Haidvogel, D. B., H. Arango, W. P. Budgell, B. D. Cornuelle, E.

Curchitser, E. Di Lorenzo, K. Fennel, W. R. Geyer, A. J. Hermann, L.

Lanerolle, J. Levin, J. C. McWilliams, A. J. Miller, A. M. Moore, T. M.

Powell, A. F. Shchepetkin, C. R. Sherwood, R. P. Signell, J. C. Warner,

and J. Wilkin, Ocean forecasting in terrain-following coordinates:

Formulation and skill assessment of the Regional Ocean Modeling System,

JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS, 227, 3595–3624, 2008.