Waterforecast system

The Waterforecast system by DHI Water and Environment is an example of a 3D hydrodynamic model (MIKE 3 HD) and a 3D bio-chemical model (MIKE 3 ECO Lab) used for describing the physical and bio-chemical conditions of the Baltic Sea including the Danish Straits. Twice a day new meteorological forecasts of wind, air temperature, precipitation and solar radiation enables a one-day hind-cast and 4 days forecast of salinity, temperature, current as well as dissolved oxygen, among others.

The model results demonstrate surface salinity, surface temperature and surface current. Furthermore, bottom concentration of oxygen is included.

The Baltic Sea is very dynamic with large natural variations between the different basins and also between coastal waters and open waters. Well designed and coordinated monitoring activities are taking place all over the Baltic Sea. However, the activities are often carried out by making point measurements at fixed depth and with varying frequency. The accuracy of these measurements is high, but information on spatial variations is limited. When combining information obtained from traditional point measurements with information obtained by models forced by real time meteorological data, a much better picture become available.