"Multi-resolution ocean modelling: unstructured grids, mimetic formulations and hybrid coordinates"

Darren Engwirda
The Earth Institute, Columbia University &
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies

Ocean models based on flexible, unstructured discretisation strategies offer an opportunity to explore a range of multi-scale flow phenomena and climate processes. The formulation of such models is rather non-trivial though --- providing numerous avenues for new research. In this talk, I present recent work on the development of the GISS ocean model (GO) and the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS-O) --- exploring the use of unstructured and/or adaptive grids in both the horizontal and vertical axes of global modelling frameworks. I focus on the construction of 'mimetic' unstructured discretisation schemes, the use of hybrid vertical coordinates and Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian techniques, and algorithms for unstructured grid generation and optimal Voronoi tessellation. I present a number of initial results from regional to global scales and discuss future investigations.

Host: Kyle Mandli