Introduction

Princeton Ocean Model (POM) is a three-dimensional shallow sea model of the inclined continental shelf vertically using the sigma coordinate. Based on the original equation set, the POM contains a second-order turbulence sub-model, which can provide the turbulent eddy coefficient that varies with the flow rate. Developed by Blumberg and Mellor in the 1970s, it has been improved with the joint efforts of many scholars. It can be used in estuaries, coastal areas and open oceans.

The main feature of POM is that it uses the sigma coordinate in the vertical direction, so it can be easily introduced into the continental shelf. In determining the vertical turbulence exchange coefficient, the second-order turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) closure scheme is used. Therefore, the vertical difference is divided into implicit ones, and the limitation of time on the vertical coordinate is eliminated, so that the resolution of the upper and lower boundary layers of the ocean is improved and the calculation is stable. To save the calculation time and increase the calculation stability of the model, the POM separates the positive pressure model and the oblique pressure model of the current by using different time steps. The outer model is two-dimensional with short time step. The inner model is three-dimensional with long time step. In the horizontal direction, the POM uses the Arakawa C interlaced grid system. In the vertical direction, the turbulence kinetic energy equation, the vertical diffusion exchange coefficient and the vertical velocity ω are staggered with the temperature, salinity and the current field. The horizontal coordinate system may be optional, and may be a curve orthogonal coordinate or a longitude and latitude coordinate.

For details about AmberTools, visit the official POM website.

Programming language: Fortran

Brief description: POM is the Princeton Ocean Model.

Open source license: GPL 3.0