Advanced On-Demand Ocean Modeling Platform
SURF is an innovative ocean modeling platform designed to configure, execute, and analyze high-resolution, nested ocean simulations for any region of the global ocean.
By enabling the downscaling of large-scale ocean products to regional and coastal domains, SURF provides the high-spatial resolution needed to capture fine-scale oceanographic processes that are typically unresolved by coarse-resolution models.
Global Coverage
Configure high-resolution ocean models anywhere in the world's oceans, reaching resolutions of few hundred meters.
Key Features & Capabilities
Comprehensive tools and methodologies for advanced ocean modeling
Multiple Ocean Models
Integrates two state-of-the-art ocean models: the structured grid model NEMO and the unstructured grid model SHYFEM, offering flexibility for diverse applications.
Advanced Nesting
Multiple nesting approaches with NEMO reaching very high-resolutions (down to hundreds of meters) and cross-scale seamless modeling with SHYFEM, using a single grid to represent different scales.
Comprehensive Tooling
Complete suite of tools for preprocessing (mesh generation, data download/remapping) and post-processing (visualization, analysis), streamlining your entire modeling pipeline.
Portable Distribution
Distributed as both Docker and VirtualBox images, pre-configured with all necessary libraries and software.
Intuitive Web GUI
User-friendly web-based interface under development to simplify model setup, execution monitoring, visualization, and results analysis.
Real-time Analysis
Advanced post-processing capabilities for immediate visualization, validation, and analysis of simulation results.
Supporting Decision Support Systems
SURF powers critical applications across marine and coastal domains
Oil Spill Monitoring
Track and forecast oil spill trajectories for rapid response and containment
Search & Rescue
Enhance rescue operations with reliable high-resolution current forecasting
Maritime Navigation
Improve route planning and navigation safety through detailed ocean fields
Fisheries Management
Monitor and assess fishery resources with high-quality oceanographic data
Coastal Tourism
Provide forecasts for beach safety and water quality management
Environmental Protection
Support coastal ecosystem protection and climate adaptation strategies
SURF Workflow
A structured, automated approach to ocean modeling
Model Configuration
Specify input parameters for preprocessing, simulation, and post-processing settings including data sources, time steps, output frequency, and visualization preferences.
Preprocessing
Automatic download and preparation of input data:
- Grid Generation: Creates the meshmask for the nested model
- Data Regridding: Remaps initial/boundary conditions and forcing
Simulation
The selected ocean model executes, producing high-resolution fields in your chosen region with configurable temporal and spatial outputs.
Post-Processing
Comprehensive analysis tools to visualize outputs, compare parent/child fields, validate results, and convert datasets for further research.