Hawaii Ocean Prediction System

Ocean conditions for Hawaii are predicted using a high-resolution, dynamic, numerical model. Two day forecasts are made daily for ocean currents and temperatures. The forecasts include atmospheric forcing (momentum, heat, and mass fluxes), meso-scale circulation (ocean fronts, eddies, etc.), and tides due to the six major tidal constituents in Hawaii. The initial three-dimensional temperature and salinity fields come from the U.S. Navy's Pacific NCOM model. These fields are downloaded daily. In addition, atmospheric forcing fields over Hawaii are downloaded daily from the National Weather Service’s National Digital Forecast Database.

Forecasts are made for surface currents and temperatures, temperatures at 90 m (50 fathoms) and 275 m (150 fathoms), as well as a water nutrient indicator for fishermen. The forecasts are presented as movie loops at hourly intervals that can be played in various ways by the user.

Forecasts are made for waters surrounding the islands of Oahu and Kauai/Niihau. The technology can be expanded to include Hawaii Island if there is any user interest.