The paper "An eddy resolving tidal-driven model of the South China Sea assimilating along-track SLA data using the EnOI" has been published by scientists J. Xie, F. Counillon, J. Zhu and L. Bertino at the Nansen Centers in Bergen and Beijing in the journal Ocean Science.

This work contains several key achievements in the field of operational oceanography. It is the first time that altimetry data is assimilated successfully in a model that includes tides. In addition, modifications to the standard EnOI data assimilation method are suggested in order to handle the strong seasonal variability and assimilate the altimetry data asynchronously. The multivariate capability of the method is demonstrated using independent measurements (e.g. temperature profiles and drifter velocities). This work was done during the two visits of Jiping Xie at NERSC, enhancing the collaboration with the group at IAP in Beijing.