The Cyprus Coastal Ocean Forecasting and Observing System

Abstract

The countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea have joined together in several multi-national initiatives to conduct long-term, integrated, operational oceanographic observations and modelling of this important region. A complete operational oceanographic forecasting and observing system has been developed in Cyprus, and has been operational since early 2002. The system is called the Cyprus Coastal Ocean Forecasting and Observing System (CYCOFOS) and is a component of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), and its European (EuroGOOS) and Mediterranean (MedGOOS) modules. CYCOFOS is the result of several years of research activities all carried out within the framework of European Union-funded projects. At present, CYCOFOS consists of several operational modules, among them flow and offshore wave to forecasts, satellite remote sensing, coastal monitoring stations and end-user-derived applications. All of these operational modules provide regular near real-time information, both to local and sub-regional end users throughout the Eastern Mediterranean Levantine Basin.