Articles | Volume 22, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-2533-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-22-2533-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
21 Aug 2026
Research article |
| 21 Aug 2026
| 21 Aug 2026
Data-driven enhancement of ocean surface forcing for accurate floating debris transport modelling in the East/Japan Sea
Hong Thi My Tran
Fluid Mechanics Department, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, 700000 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Young-Gyu Park
Ocean Circulation and Climate Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 49111 Busan, Republic of Korea
Department of Ocean Engineering, College of Environment and Marine Sciences and Technology, Pukyong National University, 48513 Busan, Republic of Korea
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Inseong Chang, Young Ho Kim, Young-Gyu Park, Hyunkeun Jin, Gyundo Pak, Andrew C. Ross, and Robert Hallberg
Geosci. Model Dev., 19, 3053–3074, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-3053-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-3053-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
This study assesses how vertical coordinate choice shapes barotropic and baroclinic tide simulations in a high-resolution, MOM6 (Modular Ocean Model version 6) regional model. Focusing on the Yellow Sea under realistic forcing and seasonal stratification, we compare z* and z*-isopycnal hybrid to quantify coordinate-dependent impacts on tidal energetics and vertical structure. The results underscore that vertical representation is critical for accurately reproducing coastal stratification and tide–stratification interactions.
Inseong Chang, Young Ho Kim, Young-Gyu Park, Hyunkeun Jin, Gyundo Pak, Andrew C. Ross, and Robert Hallberg
Geosci. Model Dev., 19, 187–216, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-187-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-187-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
We conducted sensitivity experiments to examine how different vertical coordinates influence the representation of water masses and tides using a high-resolution regional ocean model for the Northwest Pacific. We found that the choice of vertical coordinate strongly affects the degree of artificial mixing, which in turn changes how well the model reproduces key ocean features. This highlights the importance of selecting a vertical coordinate when developing regional ocean models.
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Short summary
We tracked 33 floating devices released off the Korean coast to understand how debris moves across the East/Japan Sea. Their paths showed a route toward Japan and an early split caused by ocean circulation. By comparing observations with computer simulations, we found that the best predictions combine geostrophic currents, Stoke drift, and windage, while deeper devices also require Ekman currents. Winter favored faster eastward transport and beaching, whereas summer caused wider spreading.
We tracked 33 floating devices released off the Korean coast to understand how debris moves...
