MASMA

UMass School of Marine Sciences > Marine & Atmospheric System Modeling & Analysis

Powerful Tools Promote Understanding and Solutions

Mathematical models, particularly those employing multi-dimensional numerical simulations, have become powerful tools for analysis of marine systems. Modeling efforts have traditionally emphasized physical components such as fluid motions; energy, heat, and salinity budgets; interactions with atmospheric forcing; and paleoclimatic changes. State-of-the-art efforts now include key biological (e.g., primary and secondary production, biomass distribution) and chemical (e.g., hydrological cycling, air/sea gas exchange, nutrient and contaminant distributions) processes and parameters. Global scale models have been used to understand past, present and future global changes in the ocean-atmosphere system.

Data assimilation is an essential element of state-of-the-art models for establishing initial and boundary conditions as well as for providing 'nowcasts'. Data sources include remote and in situ sensors, experimental results, as well as historical databases. Development of predictive capability is critical for optimizing environmental remediation and restoration, coastal and watershed development, and fisheries management.

The student pursuing this concentration is expected to develop a fundamental capability for interdisciplinary algorithm development/implementation and data assimilation. Required is familiarity with physical oceanography, biology, chemistry, and ocean-atmospheric sciences. Exposure to sensor technology is recommended.