Observational System Simulation Experiments and Simulations in the South China Sea for Sampling Strategies, Sound Speed Analyses and Dynamical Studies

This research will produce realistic four-dimensional field estimates in the coastal ocean for interdisciplinary physical-acoustical dynamical studies and comparisons for regions of steep topography and across the shelf-break with accuracies suitable for forward and inverse sound propagation use and the design of sampling schemes. The research includes comparisons of the similarities and differences of processes inherent to the South China Sea ASIAEX Shelfbreak and New England Shelfbreak PRIMER regions. Observational System Simulation Experiments OSSEs are utilized to optimize sampling schemes and, as appropriate and feasible, real-time forecasting for smart adaptive sampling. Our primary objectives are to 1 prepare Observational System Simulation Experiments OSSEs for optimizing sampling schemes and, as appropriate and feasible, real-time forecasting for smart adaptive sampling 2 perform hindcast simulations with data assimilation to provide the best possible fourdimensional physical fields with mesoscale and sub-mesoscale resolution for acoustic studies and, 3 complete additional dynamical studies of selected important physical events as identified. The Harvard Ocean Prediction System HOPS provides dynamically consistent and unified fourdimensional framework in which to integrate the in situ and remotely sensed synoptic observations collected during the field experiments, along with historical synoptic and climatological data, and generate physical fields. The use of HOPS, combining dynamics and data via data assimilation, provides for the optimal use of the collected data through four-dimensional field estimation. From the physical fields, sound-speed fields which are continuous in space and time can be produced.