Worldwide networks of buoys along with programs such as OSCAR (
Ocean Surface Currents Analysis Real - time), which calculates surface currents based on satellite measurements, provide scientists with data on which to build and test their models.
Although the science of regional climate projections has progressed significantly since last IPCC report, slight displacement in circulation characteristics, systematic errors in energy / moisture transport, coarse representation of
ocean currents / processes, crude parameterisation of sub-grid - and land
surface processes, and overly simplified topography used in present - day climate models, make accurate and detailed
analysis difficult.