SURF-NEMO
Structured-grid, finite-difference modelling based on NEMO. Best suited for regional shelf-sea applications.
- Structured C-grid
- Hundreds-of-metres resolution
- One-way nesting
- Hindcast and forecast workflows
Ready to Get Started?
Download SURF and start building high-resolution ocean models today.
What is SURF?
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.
Choose your model
Choose the SURF model that fits your domain
SURF includes two core ocean models. Choose the one that best fits your domain, grid type, and modelling objective.
SURF-SHYFEM
Unstructured-grid, finite-element modelling based on SHYFEM-MPI. Best suited for complex coastlines, lagoons, estuaries, harbours, and applications requiring flexible mesh refinement.
- Unstructured triangular mesh
- sub-100 m resolution
- One-way nesting
- Hindcast and forecast workflows
3 minutes to your first experiment
Get started in 3 steps
Follow this path to set up SURF and run your first ocean simulation on a laptop, cloud instance, or HPC.
Read the Getting Started page
Skim the requirements and the workflow diagram. Decide whether you want a Docker image, a VirtualBox VM, or to build from source.
Pull the Docker image (or VM)
Each release ships a tarball you can
docker loadon x86_64 or ARM64 — or a VirtualBox.ovafor a sandboxed environment with everything pre-installed.Run a real case study
Reproduce the Gulf of Taranto or Madagascar Coastal Area downscaling experiment — straight from a curated case-study page with config files, input data and expected outputs.
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 schemes: SURF-NEMO reaches hundreds-of-metre spacing in telescoping domains, while SURF-SHYFEM covers coast and shelf transitions on one unstructured mesh without hand-offs between grids.
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
1
Model Configuration
Specify input parameters for preprocessing, simulation, and post-processing settings including data sources, time steps, output frequency, and visualization preferences.
2
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
3
Simulation
The selected ocean model executes, producing high-resolution fields in your chosen region with configurable temporal and spatial outputs.
4
Post-Processing
Comprehensive analysis tools to visualize outputs, compare parent/child fields, validate results, and convert datasets for further research.
