GOTM & 3D models



The GOTM model, due to its modular design, is easily reusable in the framework of 3D circulation models. The linking of the 3D code with the turbulence code can be done through linking the F77 version of GOTM to the 3D model through a suitable interface.

The integration of the GOTM turbulence code into a 3D circulation model is as easy as calling a subroutine. For each horizontal point in the grid, information on physical properties in the water column is passed to the subroutine that resolves the turbulence equations. At the end of the call new turbulent diffusion coefficients are passed back to the calling 3D model.

Physical quantities needed to resolve the turbulence equations are the shear and buoyancy frequency (computed through the knowledge of current velocity and buoyancy), surface and bottom stresses and turbulent diffusion coefficients. Moreover, knowledge of the turbulent kinetic energy, dissipation rate and length scale must be passed and retained from one time step to the other. On the basis of this information the new turbulent diffusion coefficients are computed for the water column.

What essentially has to be done to integrate GOTM into a 3D circulation model is the construction of an interface that links the GOTM subroutine to the overall structure of the 3D model. The figure below shows the abstract implementation of this interface. Various interfaces exists already or are under development that link GOTM to: If you want to use GOTM in your 3D model the only thing that has to be done is to write the appropriate interface to the circulation model. You can use the already existing interfaces as a starting point. Clearly, if you have problems, the GOTM developers will be glad to help you in this task.