CLIVAR/CORDEX JWG-ROCP Working Group

Joint Working Group on Regional Ocean Climate Projections (JWG-ROCP)

Description
The JWG-ROCP is a joint long-term initiative from WCRP CLIVAROMDP (Ocean Model Development Panel) and RIfSCORDEX (Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment). More information can be found in the Terms of Reference. With respect to existing CORDEX activities, the JWG-ROCP mission is to develop and coordinate  worldwide the ocean component of CORDEX. With respect to CLIVAR - OMDP, the JWG-ROCP will develop regional ocean climate projections and intercomparisons. 
The JWG-ROCP has been established on January 1st, 2026, based on the conclusions of Task Force on Regional Ocean Modelling and Climate Projections [Somot et al. 2025, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20290497 ]
 
Overall objectives: 
  • Coordinate regional ocean climate projections (physics including sea level, biogeochemistry, sea-ice, waves) worldwide by developing coordinated simulation protocols for both ocean-only and coupled RCMs, by delivering standardized datasets and by supporting WCRP initiatives on sea level rise and extremes (e.g., Sea Level Rise – Science for Projections, Impacts & Adaptation (SLR-SPIA) Task Team)
  • Explore the potential of data-driven machine-learning approaches to simulate oceanic regions and their future evolution, strengthening the promising training opportunities given by datasets produced with process-based numerical models 
  • Advance the science of regional ocean climate modelling and projections, including through multi-model assessments, identification of robust biases and underlying processes
  • Engage a large community of regional ocean modelers and model users to provide a forum for sharing knowledge and experience across domains 
  • Serve the climate impact and adaptation needs by engaging with relevant users and stakeholders and by providing data and expertise to ocean climate services 
  • Contribute to expert assessment reports (e.g., IPCC-AR7, national or regional assessment reports) 

Membership:

The JWG includes:

  • Two co-chairs, nominated by CLIVAR OMDP and CORDEX SAT
  • Members, nominated for a renewable 3-year time period by CLIVAR OMDP and CORDEX SAT after a process involving both a community open call and ad-hoc invitations in order to ensure geographical, career-stage, expertise (physics incl. sea level, wave, sea ice, biogeochemistry), gender and CLIVAR-CORDEX balances. 

In addition, a larger community of interest is established, open to members of the regional ocean modelling community or of the ocean climate projections users. Please contact the co-chairs if you would like to join.