Ocean Modelling for SAR Applications — Onsite Training in Lecce

On-site training conducted in Lecce, Italy, focused on high-resolution ocean downscaling for Search and Rescue (SAR) applications. Participants were introduced to the SURF platform through real-case studies in Micronesia and the Northern Gulf of Mexico

The SURF training was delivered at CMCC in Lecce as part of a joint initiative with the U.S. Coast Guard, focusing on high-resolution coastal and shelf downscaling experiments for operational and decision-support applications.

The course covered both the structured-grid component (SURF-NEMO) and the unstructured-grid component (SURF-SHYFEM), providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of cross-scale ocean modelling strategies.

Hands-on exercises included the implementation of a high-resolution downscaling configuration in Micronesia using SURF-NEMO, and a coastal configuration in the Northern Gulf of Mexico using SURF-SHYFEM. These case studies illustrated nested modelling workflows, boundary condition treatment, and the added value of fine-scale simulations for complex coastal dynamics.

The training emphasized reproducible workflows, data preparation, simulation execution, and post-processing analysis within the SURF environment, strengthening capacity for operational ocean forecasting and emergency response applications.