Development of Operational Ocean Forecasting System in Korea

Abstract

An operational ocean forecasting system is necessary to reduce ocean-related disasters such as storm surges, abnormal waves, search and rescue (SAR), and oil spills which cause tremendous damages to coastal environments, by timely providing useful ocean information for initial countermeasure. It is also a powerful tool to manage territorial seas, to understand ocean environments in terms of protection and preservation, and to provide social-economic benefits. Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) has been developing the Operational Ocean/Coastal Forecasting System in Korea (KOOS) since August 2009. KOOS is a sustained, routine, user-driven and end-to-end system. The main purpose of KOOS program is to develop and operate an operational forecasting system for the Korean waters in order to solve various problems, coastal disasters, marine pollution, and safe navigation and to provide necessary information of sea states and prediction for government agencies, marine industries, scientific research communities, and to the public. useful ocean information for initial countermeasure. It is also a powerful tool to manage territorial seas, to understand ocean environments in terms of protection and preservation, and to provide social-economic benefits. Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) has been developing the Operational Ocean/Coastal Forecasting System in Korea (KOOS) since August 2009. KOOS is a sustained, routine, user-driven and end-to-end system. The main purpose of KOOS program is to develop and operate an operational forecasting system for the Korean waters in order to solve various problems, coastal disasters, marine pollution, and safe navigation and to provide necessary information of sea states and prediction for government agencies, marine industries, scientific research communities, and to the public.