A global ocean circulation-tide-sea ice model using unstructured grid: Development, validation, and applications

Abstract

Recent advances in computing have transformed ocean modeling from single-process simulations—such as circulation, tides, and sea ice—into integrated models that couple multiple dynamic processes. This study introduces an innovative global ocean model using an unstructured mesh to enable precise, multi-scale simulations across complex terrains. We conducted a ten-year, global ocean circulation to assess the model's accuracy, comparing simulated circulation, tide, and sea ice characteristics with observational data across key regions. The model effectively captures meso-scale dynamics, including boundary current separation, meso-scale eddy formation, and internal tides in the Luzon Strait, along with accurate global water mass distributions. Completing this extensive simulation within a month demonstrates the model's capability for efficient, high-resolution, long-term studies, paving the way for future ultra-high-resolution atmosphere-ocean coupling.