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 CLIVAR – OMDP (Ocean Model Development Panel) and RIfS – CORDEX (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.