Developing Python Programs for Visualizing and Analyzing Complex Hydrodynamic Outputs from SCHISM Simulations of the Texas Coast.

The Semi-implicit Cross-scale Hydroscience Integrated System Model (SCHISM) has recently showcased its ability to perform simulations across a wide range of scales, surpassing what a single model could achieve before. While SCHISM's outputs have been visualized using various methods, challenges arise when utilizing its hydrodynamic core to generate NETCDF outputs, which aren't easily analyzed or effectively visualized through conventional means. Consequently, we embarked on creating a program using the free and open-source Python programming language, specifically leveraging the netcdf4 library (module). The program was initially compiled using appropriate software, and input data covering the entire Texas Coast was sourced from the Texas Water Development Board. The Texas coast was divided into two phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2. Computational grids for each phase, along with other input data, were separately employed to execute SCHISM simulations. Phase 1 input data covered the period from July 1 to July 31, 2017, while Phase 2 input data encompassed the period from April 1 to April 30, 2023. This developed Python program can visualize the grid for both phases, delineate the spatial extent (including maximum and minimum latitudes of the input grid files), converting unstructured triangle and quadrangular grids elements into exclusively triangular elements to enhance computation speed. We also used the program to visualize point elevations and surface current changes across the computational nodes, generate daily contour plots to illustrate surface elevation change, depict horizontal velocity vectors (current vectors) at specific times of the day for each month. It is our desire that the Python program will empower users to effectively analyze and visualize complex hydrodynamic data derived from SCHISM simulations of the Texas Coast, providing valuable insights into coastal dynamics and environmental changes.