High-resolution FOAM will also eventually host models of the shelf seas. As described by Martin Holt, Zhihong Li and Geoff Osborne, a first version of a baroclinic shelf seas model developed by the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory has been undergoing pre-operational trials. It will be implemented operationally in March 2000. Office has run operational wave models for many years. Developments, described by Martin Holt and Damian Holmes, include operational implementation in March 2000 of a UK waters wave model, and work on better use of wave model information for diagnosis of long-period swell.
Observations are key inputs for operational oceanography as they are for meteorology.
An exciting development in ocean observing is the international Argo programme for which The Met. Vital marine information is also provided by the Marine Automatic Weather Station network, recent changes in which are described by Jenny McArthur. This issue of the NWP Gazette therefore has a taste of the sea. I hope you enjoy it.