Publications:
Initial Steps Toward Validation of a Seasonal Cycle Simulation for Prince William Sound Circulation (Flow and Mass) Fields, I. Bang, S. Vaughan, C.N.K. Mooers
The Influence of Several Factors Controlling the Interactions Between Prince William Sound, Alaska and the Northern Gulf of Alaska, I. Bang and C.N.K. Mooers

Project Summary

The numerical ocean circulation model – based on the Princeton Ocean Model (POM) - is at the center of the Prince William Sound Nowcast/Forecast System (NFS). The overall goal is to develop a predictive capability for estimating the currents and temperature and salinity structure of Prince William Sound in near real-time. The Prince William Sound POM was validated using historical data from the Sound Ecosystem Assessment (SEA) program and the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Institute of Marine Science. It is forced by near real-time measurements of winds and sea level and by monthly means of surface heat flux and throughflow at Hinchinbrook Entrance. The model is capable of producing animated current, temperature and salinity maps, animated particle trajectories, and transects of temperature, salinity and currents. Results are archived and are available on a website. A working first generation system has been demonstrated. The ocean circulation model has been linked with the SINTEF Oil Spill Contingency and Response (OSCAR) chemical fates visualization model. A meso-scale atmospheric model is being developed which will be linked with the ocean circulation model. Future plans also include linking the ocean circulation model with a biological nutrient plankton zooplankton detritus (NPZD) model.