Articles | Volume 5-opsr
https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-5-opsr-10-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-5-opsr-10-2025
02 Jun 2025
 | OPSR | Chapter 5.1
 | 02 Jun 2025 | OPSR | Chapter 5.1

Numerical models for simulating ocean physics

Michael J. Bell, Andreas Schiller, and Stefania Ciliberti

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Cited articles

Adcroft, A.: Representation of topography by porous barriers and objective interpolation of topographic data, Ocean Model., 67, 13–27, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocemod.2013.03.002, 2013. 
Alvarez Fanjul, E., Ciliberti, S., and Bahurel, P.: Implementing Operational Ocean Monitoring and Forecasting Systems, IOC-UNESCO, GOOS-275, https://doi.org/10.48670/ETOOFS, 2022. 
Arakawa, A.: Finite-difference methods in climate modelling, in: Physically-Based Modelling and Simulation of Climate and Climatic Change – Part I, edited by: Schlesinger, M. E., Kluwer Academic Publishers, 79–168, ISBN-13: 978-94-010-7868-9, e-ISBN-13: 978-94-009-3043-8, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3043-8, 1988. 
Arakawa, A. and Moorthi, S.: Baroclinic instability in vertically discrete systems, J. Atmos. Sci., 45, 1688–1707, 1988. 
Bachman, S. D.: Evaluation of scale-aware subgrid mesoscale eddy models in a global eddy-rich model, Ocean Model., 115, 42–58, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocemod.2017.05.007, 2017. 
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Short summary
We provide an introduction to physical ocean models, at elementary and intermediate levels, describing the properties they represent, the principles and equations they use to evolve these properties, the physical phenomena they simulate, and the wider context and prospects for their further development. We also outline, at a more technical level, the methods and approximations that they use and the difficulties that limit their accuracy or reliability.
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