“Norkyst” version 3: the coastal ocean forecasting system for Norway

Abstract

We describe the operational forecasting system “Norkyst”, now in version 3, which is used for predicting the ocean circulation along the coast of mainland Norway and in the fjords. The forecasting system is based on the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), and has sub-kilometric horizontal resolution to resolve mesoscale features. Here we describe the basic configuration and report verification statistics of unconstrained model runs. The main features of the circulation and hydrography, including seasonal variations, are well represented in Norkyst v.3, making the forecast system suitable for its intended use as an open service for users in public or private sectors such as aquaculture, fishery, shipping, research, consulting, environmental management, and others who needs detailed predictions of the physical state of the Norwegian coastal ocean.