The Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) research emphasis is broad. Current research to improve hurricane storm surge predictions in the Gulf of Mexico and develop an understanding of the regional distributions of hurricane activity in the United States is of importance to all Floridians and coastal residents. Among other things, COAPS research includes understanding oceanographic measurements obtained from satellites for sea surface winds, sea surface shape, and ocean color. It also focuses on climate forecasting for farmers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama using coupled atmosphere -- ocean global and regional models.