A systematic approach to unstructured mesh generation for ocean modelling using GMT and Terreno

A systematic approach to unstructured mesh generation for ocean modelling is presented. The method optimises unstructured meshes to approximate bathymetry to a user specified accuracy which may be defined as a function of longitude, latitude and bathymetry. GMT (Generic Mapping Tools) is used to perform the initial griding of the bathymetric data. Subsequently, the Terreno meshing package combines automated shoreline approximation, mesh gradation and optimisation methods to generate high-quality bathymetric meshes. The operation of Terreno is based upon clearly defined error measures and this facilitates the automation of unstructured mesh generation while minimising user intervention and the subjectivity that this can introduce.