Abstract
Abstract. In this article we propose two grid generation methods for global ocean general circulation models. Contrary to conventional dipolar or tripolar grids, the proposed methods are based on Schwarz–Christoffel conformal mappings that map areas with user-prescribed, irregular boundaries to those with regular boundaries (i.e., disks, slits, etc.). The first method aims at improving existing dipolar grids. Compared with existing grids, the sample grid achieves a better trade-off between the enlargement of the latitudinal–longitudinal portion and the overall smooth grid cell size transition. The second method addresses more modern and advanced grid design requirements arising from high-resolution and multi-scale ocean modeling. The generated grids could potentially achieve the alignment of grid lines to the large-scale coastlines, enhanced spatial resolution in coastal regions, and easier computational load balance. Since the grids are orthogonal curvilinear, they can be easily utilized by the majority of ocean general circulation models that are based on finite difference and require grid orthogonality. The proposed grid generation algorithms can also be applied to the grid generation for regional ocean modeling where complex land–sea distribution is present.
Highlights
The generation of the model grid preludes the simulation with ocean general circulation models (OGCMs) and sea ice models
Since the sample grid is an orthogonal curvilinear grid, it can be utilized by the majority of OGCMs
We evaluate the sample grid under the same protocol as in Sect. 2, i.e., by examination of the maximum allowed time step count per simulation hour, and the simulation result with POP under idealized forcings
Summary
The generation of the model grid preludes the simulation with ocean general circulation models (OGCMs) and sea ice models. The motivations are that (1) it is beneficiary to align grid lines with coastlines or isobaths, for better simulation of the river discharge and more realistic topographic forcing on the oceanic flow; and (2) the removal of lands in the grid’s domain results in lower computational overhead, since lands no longer occupy the logically rectangular index space of the grid Grid generation tools, such as SeaGrid (Sea, 2014), utilize the numerical solution of Laplacian equations and conformal mappings to Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union. Small-scale phenomena can be resolved explicitly, such as narrow but important water channels and mesoscale eddies, but the simulation is usually very computationally costly To alleviate this problem, ocean modelers adopt load balancing algorithms to improve computational efficiency, and multi-scale modeling with spatial refinements.
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