The ocean, with its immense heat capacity, plays a pivotal role in regulating typhoon intensity and global climate change. As climate change intensifies, predicting and assessing extreme oceanic and climatic events has become a paramount global concern. Enhancing forecasting capabilities is essential for effective marine disaster prevention and mitigation.
At the 2024 Global Ocean Development Forum, the Ocean and Climate Early wArNing Universal System (OCEANUS) was unveiled. This system is a landmark achievement of the Ocean to Climate Seamless Forecasting System (OSF) program, led by the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO) under the Ministry of Natural Resources of China.
OCEANUS currently encompasses four subsystems: global ocean numerical forecast, marine coral reef bleaching warning, maritime search and rescue forecast, and offshore oil spill response. Plans are underway to launch typhoon forecast and climate prediction subsystems in the future.
“Through scientific research, we have discovered methods that can greatly improve our ability to predict and simulate climate,” said Qiao Fangli, deputy director general of the FIO. “We can enhance prediction capabilities by about 50 percent. With this improved precision, we can inform people earlier whether this year will be colder or warmer, and whether we’ll have more floods or droughts.”
By substantially improving the prediction and forecasting of oceans, typhoons, and climate, OCEANUS represents a significant Chinese contribution to global ocean disaster prevention and reduction.
Reference(s):
Chinese expert shares key approach for handling climate disasters
cgtn.com
