NOAA Atlantic Ocean Forecast Model Output Fields

Output fields from the NOAA Atlantic Real-Time Ocean Forecast System (RTOFS) comprise daily operational model runs from the National Centers for Atmospheric Prediction. The dataset includes daily 3D and hourly surface-level gridded fields for ocean temperature, salinity, currents, and sea-surface height, stored in GRIB format. It provides a 24-hour hindcast and forecasts up to 120 hours for each daily run.

Use Cases

• Validating ocean circulation models against forecasted currents and sea-surface height.
• Analyzing temporal changes in Atlantic Ocean temperature and salinity profiles from 3D fields.
• Studying surface ocean dynamics using hourly fields of temperature and velocity.
• Assimilating model forecast data into independent research or operational forecasting systems.
• Investigating ocean fronts and eddies using the model's eddy-resolving output.

Strengths

• Provides both 3-dimensional daily fields and hourly surface-only fields for detailed analysis.
• Each daily model run includes a 24-hour hindcast and a 120-hour forecast sequence.
• Model output uses a hybrid vertical coordinate system (isopycnal plus z-level) for physical accuracy.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and column details are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last update date, with one indicating 2026 and another 2017.
• Data prior to June 6, 2007, uses interpolated z-levels instead of the native hybrid coordinates.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Daily operational runs of the Atlantic RTOFS model, with output compiled into monthly accessions by NCEI.

Time Range

2006-05-31 to 2017-03-21

Freshness

2026-03-06 00:20:33.686646

Geography

Atlantic Ocean