Qualification & validation of systems
Validation corresponds to operational systems output quality assessment. This is mainly done by comparing model outputs with observations (either from satellites or in situ measurements), considered as ‘sea-truthing’.
The validation activity takes place in two stages.
A first stage known as the ‘short loop’, which is regular and weekly, consists of qualitative analysis of output from operational chains and in-line diagnostics. This activity is conducted by operators/forecasters. They certify the general realism of weekly production before its distribution to users.
A second stage known as the ‘long loop’ focuses on a much longer time scale of the order of a few weeks to a few months. It is undertaken by oceanographers. It is done either by systematically analysing a system or by case studies and phenomenological studies.