5 Making Modifications to Code

There are three general types of code modifications one can consider: (1) adding further diagnostics but not changing the bit-for-bit answers, (2) answer changing modifications to the code by way of changing algorithms, and (3) adding prognostic variables. The first can be as simple as adding new fields to the history file, or producing more diagnostics to the existing code. The second can involve many conceivable changes in the physical algorithms of the sea ice model. The third is the most complex, with the most far-reaching of effects. Each of these will be touched on here, to give the user some indication how to proceed.

Modifications to the sea ice model involve either (or both) modifying existing code and possible additions of new modules. It is strongly recommended that in either case, modifications follow the same general code structure as in the existing code; in particular, using the protex keywords for documentation. New code which adheres to the existing conventions will be more likely to be accepted for inclusion in future releases of CSIM.