Variational data assimilation for optimizing boundary conditions in ocean models

Described is the development of the ideas ofG.I. Marchuk in the field ofvariational data assimilation for the ocean models which are used in particular in the coupled models of long-range weather forecasting. Special attention is paid to the optimization of boundary conditions on rigid boundaries. Considered are idealized and realistic model configurations. It is demonstrated that such optimization enables determining the most sensitive operators of the model and bringing the model solution much closer to the assimilated data.