The development of the Mellor–Ezer optimal interpolation data assimilation scheme[8] that projects surface satellite data into deep layers allows the construction of the first ocean forecast systems for the Gulf Stream[9] and the U.S. east coast running operationally at the NOAA's National Weather Service (Frank Aikman and others[10]).
For more information on applications of the model, see the searchable database of over 1800 POM-related publications.
Recent developments in POM include a generalized coordinate system that combines sigma and z-level grids (Mellor and Ezer), inundation features that allow simulations of wetting and drying (e.g., flood of land area) (Oey), and coupling ocean currents with surface waves (Mellor).
Efforts to improve turbulent mixing also continue (Galperin, Kantha, Mellor and others).
POM users' meetings were held every few years, and in recent years the meetings were extended to include other models and renamed the International Workshop on Modeling the Ocean (IWMO).