FV3like

FV3like refers to a family of atmospheric models that implement or closely emulate the Finite-Volume Cubed-Sphere (FV3) dynamical core. These models use a finite-volume discretization on a cubed-sphere grid to cover the globe, enabling conservative flux calculations and scalable parallel performance for high-resolution weather and climate simulations. FV3like implementations typically couple the dynamical core to modular physics packages and observation assimilation interfaces, allowing both global and regional configurations. The designation emphasizes similarity in numerical core and software design rather than a single canonical code base, with multiple groups adapting the FV3 core to their own physics schemes and driver frameworks.

Typical features include support for nonhydrostatic dynamics, various time-stepping options such as semi-implicit or semi-Lagrangian schemes, and a focus on scalable performance on modern high-performance computing platforms. The cubed-sphere grid helps mitigate grid-geometry issues near the poles, while the finite-volume formulation fosters conservation of mass and tracers across tile boundaries. FV3like codes are designed to be portable and modular, enabling experiments with different physics parameterizations, vertical coordinate choices, and data-assimilation interfaces.

Usage and ecosystem: FV3like configurations are used in research and operational forecast systems within frameworks that integrate models, analysis tools, and workflows. The FV3-like approach is represented in open-source repositories and shared development efforts, with institutions maintaining their own configurations and release cadences. Performance and readiness depend on hardware, compilers, and software optimizations.

Development and terminology: Because FV3like is an informal designation, its precise meaning varies among organizations. The core concept traces to the FV3 dynamical core, while its variants and forks retain the same fundamental discretization characteristics and goals.