Three generations of scientists at Weather Research Center have developed an operating model for forecasting site specific current profiles in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The Site Specific Thermostrophic Current Profile (SS-TCP) provides a four to seven day current forecast that is available three, five or seven days a week. Each forecast is tailored to the specific location of the customer’s operations. This is the only model of this type that is available today.

Dr. John C. Freeman, CCM used his 57 years of experience to assist Heather R. Scott, Oceanographer to develop a current profile model to be used to forecast currents at varying depths in the Gulf of Mexico. Jill F. Hasling, CCM and Director of Weather Research Center used her 25 years of experience in meteorology and numerical model programming to help verify and simplify the model for use on a daily basis. The trio represent three generations of scientists and over 75 years of experience combined.

The forecast method was started in the late 1970’s when Dr. Freeman and Mrs. Hasling developed a large multilayer current model that was used in the North Sea to predict the undersea currents and extreme conditions for use in building oil platforms.

The addition of Ms. Scott to the staff allowed Weather Research Center to develop the model for use in the Gulf of Mexico. Ms. Scott is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Marine Science. She spent two years prior to coming to Weather Research Center as a seismic navigator operating in the Gulf. Her knowledge of the bathymetry and ocean currents in the Gulf allowed Weather Research Center to develop and test the model with good results at two sites with very different profiles.

Those companies with operations in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico understand the hazards that currents can cause. Unexpected current speeds can cause problems in operations costing time and money.

Using the SS-TCP, companies can plan and work taking into account the forecasted speed and direction of these currents and various depths, providing more efficient work schedules and saving money and equipment.

For more information on the SS-TCP and Weather Research Center please contact Dr. John C Freeman or Jill F. Hasling at 713-529-3076 or by e-mail at wrc@wxresearch.com.