Grid Configuration
MPIOM model uses a bipolar orthogonal spherical coordinate system. If the poles are antipodes (diametrically opposed) then the coordinate system is reduced to a rotated spherical grid. Otherwise, orthogonal meridians and parallels are constructed according to the choice of zonal and meridional resolution and are used to define the spatial mesh. Although it may be desirable to maintain ‘quadrature’ of the grid (i.e. within each grid cell the local zonal and meridional grid distances are equal), it is by no means a necessary condition. Two advantages can be achieved by assignment of a radius to the poles. Firstly, land points can be removed from the computational matrix. Secondly, by choosing non-equal pole radii horizontal resolution can be concentrated about the pole of smaller radius for regional studies. Implementation of the curvilinear grid is omnipresent throughout the model code with the exception of purely vertical operations such as convection. Grid generation software is available on request.
Configuration GI3
- Example of a grid setup with high resolution in the North Atlantic/Arctic region. Every 5th grid line is shown.
Configuration GR15
- Example model configuration used in IPCC AR4 experiments. Every 5th grid line is shown.
Configuration TP04
- Example of a "tripolar" setup (under development). Every 5th grid line is shown.
Atmospheric Forcing
Atmospheric forcing and initial data for temperature and salinity based on 
PHC http://psc.apl.washington.edu/Climatology.htmlis available for the standard grid configurations. Software for generation of input files for other setups is available on request.
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