Earth System Models divide the ocean surface and depth into a discrete grid of cells. The models calculate the value of several variables in each gridcell along specific timesteps. These gridcells vary in size and shape from one model to the other depending on the model resolution, usually in the thousands of square kilometers.

In this dataviz the actual size and shape of the gridcells from the CMIP5 models are displayed. An example of a particular gridcell is put in context on continental France to give an idea of its size.

Select a model name below each one of the gridcells to see its size.