In case you haven’t noticed, approximately 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by water. To say that oceans, rivers and other large bodies of water have a major effect on weather and climate is an understatement. However, until recently we have been flying-blind when it comes to one major characteristic of these bodies: what’s happening in the third dimension (the depths). If everything goes right, in about six months this gap will be illuminated.
Major electric utility organizations’ (like independent system operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Operators (RTOs)) short-range planning starts with models that simulate operations for several days. The most important non-utility inputs to these models are weather forecasts. The major advance described in this post will result in much more accurate short-term and longer term weather forecasts. The latter will enable these utilities to extend their planning horizon.
Also, of course, climate change is, or should be, important to everyone. Different models are used to predict future effects of climate change. These too will benefit greatly from the new tool described in this post, and enable more accurate and longer-range forecasts.