Kenya Coastal CROCO Configuration

The 2 km configuration has compiled and completed a 24-hour hindcast on 24 MPI ranks without NaN or CFL failure. History, average and restart outputs were produced with current, temperature, salinity and sea-surface-elevation variables.

This confirms the numerical workflow is operational. It does not yet mean that every nearshore process is validated for public forecasting.

The validation pathway combines available observations, satellite-derived surface fields, tide and current information, targeted low-cost instruments and structured field campaigns. Particular attention is required near boundaries, river influence, reefs and complex coastal geometry.

Performance should be assessed by variable, location, depth and timescale rather than using a single accuracy statement.

Planned applications include current and drift maps, nearshore safety indicators, particle tracking through OpenDrift, search-area support, ecosystem movement studies and inputs to marine renewable-energy assessment.

Products will carry clear confidence and validation labels as they move from research outputs toward operational use.