Split-explicit external mode solver in the finite volume sea ice–ocean model FESOM2

Abstract. A novel split-explicit (SE) external mode solver for the Finite volumE Sea ice–Ocean Model (FESOM2) and its sub-versions is presented. It is compared with the semi-implicit (SI) solver currently used in FESOM2. The split-explicit solver for the external mode utilizes a dissipative asynchronous (forward–backward) time-stepping scheme that does not require additional filtering during the barotropic sub-cycling. Its implementation with arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian vertical coordinates like Z star (z*) and Z tilde (z̃) is explored. The comparisons are performed through multiple test cases involving idealized and realistic global simulations. The SE solver demonstrates lower phase errors and dissipation, while maintaining a simulated mean ocean state very similar to the SI solver. The SE solver is also shown to possess better run-time performance and parallel scalability across all workloads tested.