Comparative evaluation of the operational red-tide models

Abstract

Operational red-tide model (a.k.a. algal bloom model) can be described as the forecasting system of the red-tide (phytoplankton, algal species) parameters, such as spatial and temporal chlorophyll-a concentration, phytoplankton cell numbers, organic carbon concentrations, and so on. The model should be fully supported by the operational oceanographic system, because it requires many kinds of input data sets to simulate the red-tide parameters. In this study, the operational forecast models are selected and compared in terms of the essential data sets. These models are characterized by the model application regions, such as the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Maine, the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea. These models are also closely related to the Regional Ocean Observing System., organic carbon concentrations, and so on. The model should be fully supported by the operational oceanographic system, because it requires many kinds of input data sets to simulate the red-tide parameters. In this study, the operational forecast models are selected and compared in terms of the essential data sets. These models are characterized by the model application regions, such as the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Maine, the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea. These models are also closely related to the Regional Ocean Observing System.