Model coupling is the connection of several separate numerical models so that output from each model becomes input for the other models. Models exchange information at specified intervals, so that, for example, predictions about the weather affect and are affected by ocean surface temperature, sea surface roughness, heat flux, etc. This allows a more complete and realistic description of ocean conditions than that available from uncoupled, stand-alone models.
Some of the sub-models that can be coupled include models of ocean conditions, weather, sea ice, waves, plankton, and biogeochemistry.
