SURF

The simulation of coastal and littoral oceanic flow can use many (competing) modelling systems. They differ by the represented geometry (discretisation grid, 2D / 3D), the systems of equations used, the spatial scales / simulated temporal and / or numerical methods used to solve them. It is difficult to establish a hierarchy between these different tools, each having its own merits on different aspects, such as the numerical cost, their numerical precision, the exhaustivity of the represented processes, etc. In the best of cases, these models are coupled together, each being used in its (allegedly) preferred geographic area. The present IPL proposes to go beyond this approach by relying on the combined expertise of the Inria teams involved and to propose a more integrated approach, by mutually enriching the different models and notably by proposing a quantification and a representation of the uncertainty associated with the different choices and approximations made. These issues related to oceanography, ecology and geophysics raise major scientific challenges with strong socio-economic benefits. This IPL will help structure Inria's contributions to these major topics of ocean modelling, where it can have a strong impact.