AUTHOR=Moore Andrew M. , Martin Matthew J. , Akella Santha , Arango Hernan G. , Balmaseda Magdalena , Bertino Laurent , Ciavatta Stefano , Cornuelle Bruce , Cummings Jim , Frolov Sergey , Lermusiaux Pierre , Oddo Paolo , Oke Peter R. , Storto Andrea , Teruzzi Anna , Vidard Arthur , Weaver Anthony T. TITLE=Synthesis of Ocean Observations Using Data Assimilation for Operational, Real-Time and Reanalysis Systems: A More Complete Picture of the State of the Ocean JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science VOLUME=6 YEAR=2019 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00090 DOI=10.3389/fmars.2019.00090 ISSN=2296-7745 ABSTRACT=

Ocean data assimilation is increasingly recognized as crucial for the accuracy of real-time ocean prediction systems and historical re-analyses. The current status of ocean data assimilation in support of the operational demands of analysis, forecasting and reanalysis is reviewed, focusing on methods currently adopted in operational and real-time prediction systems. Significant challenges associated with the most commonly employed approaches are identified and discussed. Overarching issues faced by ocean data assimilation are also addressed, and important future directions in response to scientific advances, evolving and forthcoming ocean observing systems and the needs of stakeholders and downstream applications are discussed.