Workflow and Data Structure of the Tidal in Río de la Plata and Maritime Front Forecast Tool, PronUy_RPFM

Abstract

Researchers from both the Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Environmental Engineering (IMFIA, FIng, UdelaR) and the Computing Institute (INCO, FIng, UdelaR) are developing an operational sea level forecasting tool for the Río de la Plata and and Maritime Front under the name PronUy_RPFM. A first operational version is available that offers the results through the website https://www.fing.edu.uy/imfia/pronostico-marea/. PronUy_RPFM has a sea level forecast for the next three days that is compared with data measured by different tide gauges along the Uruguayan and Argentine coast. The tool bases its operation on the finite element numerical model TELEMAC2D, using as forcing global daily forecasts of oceanic and meteorological conditions, RTOFS-HYCOM and NCEP from NOAA, respectively, and the river flow of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers. The forecast requires a data flow that provides access to both the mentioned forcings and the data measured by the tide gauges through download, and that publishes the results on the website once the model has been run. In this sense, PronUy_RPFM has an operational database in which, on the one hand, the downloaded data and, on the other hand, part of the processed data is organized, thus forming an important set of data with an intrinsic value that transcends its subsequent use in prognosis. This article presents the computing structure of the PronUy_RPFM tool, as well as the workflow and data structure on which its operation is based. At the same time, the methodology used for the development and continuous improvement of the operating model is explained based on the definition of environments, and its close relationship with the use of the operational database.