Stochastic interpolation as a means to estimate oceanic fields

Abstract

The method of stochastic interpolation (conditional simulation) is introduced as a means to interpolate / extrapolate a scalar or vector field of an oceanic variable, e.g. currents. Conditional simulation produces the synthesis of a random field that is forced to agree with simultaneous measurements in the same time interval and area where the input data are being synthesized. The conditional simulation is applied to the vector field for two California current measurement programs (Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment (CODE) and Central California Coastal Circulation Study fccccsj, north and south of San Francisco, respectively). These field programs covered different areas and were characterized by different instrument spacings. The influence of these spatial factors shows up in the quality of the conditional simulations, i.e. a smaller area and a tighter mooring array led to more physically reasonable flow realizations. The various realizations provided by a series of conditional simulations allow confidence intervals to be defined. Other uses for this technique include optimization of current‐meter (or other sensor) placement and the specification of initial or boundary conditions for numerical models. This latter function could be invoked when real data are sparse or when the data that are available are overly smooth and do not contain enough of the variability of the natural system.