COMCOT (COrnell Multi-grid Coupled Tsunami Model) version 1.7
is a widely used numerical model for simulating tsunami generation, propagation, and coastal inundation. Key Features of COMCOT 1.7
The "good features" frequently highlighted in its documentation and research applications include: Nested Multi-Grid System
: Allows for high-resolution modeling in coastal areas while maintaining efficient, lower-resolution simulations in the deep ocean. Diverse Generation Mechanisms
: Capable of modeling tsunamis triggered by submarine landslides, earthquake fault planes (up to 99 simultaneously), or a combination of both. Coordinate Flexibility : Supports both Spherical coordinates (for deep ocean propagation) and Cartesian coordinates (for local coastal run-up). Governing Equations
: Offers a choice between linear and non-linear shallow water equations, utilizing an explicit staggered leap-frog finite difference scheme for calculations. Inundation Modeling
: Includes a "moving boundary scheme" to accurately simulate wave run-up and the extent of flooding on dry land. Adjustable Time Steps
: Version 1.7 improved efficiency by allowing the time step ratio between parent and child grids to vary based on water depth, rather than being fixed at a set ratio. Downloads and Resources
As an open-source academic tool, it is primarily distributed through research repositories: Source Code
: You can find version 1.7 source files (typically in Fortran) on GitHub (comcot-gfortran) or specialized forks like the COMCOT typhoon model Documentation : Detailed usage instructions are available in the COMCOT 1.7 User Manual on Scribd Zenodo repository setting up the input files for a specific tsunami simulation scenario? comcot-gfortran/comcot.f90 at master - GitHub
COMCOT (Cornell Multi-grid Ocean Tsunami Model) version 1.7 is a powerful numerical tool used by researchers and engineers to simulate the generation, propagation, and run-up of tsunamis. Understanding COMCOT 1.7
COMCOT is a nested-grid shallow water equation model. It is designed to handle both deep-ocean propagation and near-shore inundation within a single simulation. Version 1.7 is particularly popular due to its stability and its ability to handle complex bathymetry. Key Technical Features
Linear and Non-linear Equations: Uses linear equations for deep water and non-linear shallow water equations for coastal areas.
Nested Grid System: Allows for high-resolution modeling in specific areas of interest without wasting computational power on the open ocean.
Moving Boundary Scheme: Accurately calculates coastal inundation (run-up) and shoreline retreat.
Spherical and Cartesian Coordinates: Supports simulations across vast oceanic scales or localized harbor scales. Where to Download COMCOT 1.7 comcot 1.7 download
Since COMCOT is an academic and scientific tool, it is not typically hosted on commercial "software download" sites. Access is usually managed through institutional repositories or direct contact with the developers. 1. GNS Science (New Zealand)
GNS Science has historically been a primary distributor of COMCOT. They provide versions of the model often used in seismic and tsunami hazard assessments. Check their official research portals for available packages. 2. Cornell University
As the original birthplace of the model, Cornell University’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering often hosts source codes or documentation for their numerical models. 3. GitHub and Open-Source Mirrors
Many researchers have uploaded modified or compiled versions of COMCOT 1.7 to GitHub. When downloading from these sources: Verify the branch history.
Check for a README file explaining the compilation requirements. Ensure it includes the necessary Fortran source files. System Requirements and Installation
COMCOT is not an ".exe" file you simply double-click. It is a scientific code that requires a specific environment.
Compiler: You will need a Fortran compiler (such as GFortran or Intel Fortran).
OS: Primarily runs on Linux/Unix environments, though it can be compiled on Windows using MinGW or Cygwin.
Data Inputs: You must provide your own bathymetry data (e.g., GEBCO or ETOPO) and earthquake source parameters (fault length, width, slip, etc.). Why Version 1.7?
While newer versions or different tsunami models (like COMCOT v6.0 or FUNWAVE) exist, version 1.7 remains a "gold standard" for many because:
Legacy Validation: Many peer-reviewed papers are based on this version, making it easy to compare results.
Low Overhead: It is computationally "lighter" than some modern 3D fluid dynamics models.
Stability: The 1.7 code base is well-documented and has fewer bugs than some experimental newer builds. Safety and Best Practices
Verify Source: Only download from reputable academic or government domains (.edu, .gov, .org).
Check Dependencies: Ensure you have the correct libraries (like NetCDF) installed if your version requires them for output processing. COMCOT (COrnell Multi-grid Coupled Tsunami Model) version 1
Reference the Manual: Always look for the comcot_user_manual.pdf which is typically included in the download package. To help you get the model running, could you tell me: Are you running this on Windows, Linux, or a Mac? Do you have a Fortran compiler already installed?
Are you modeling a specific historical event, or is this for general research?
I can provide specific compilation commands or help you find bathymetry data for your study area.
Understanding COMCOT 1.7: The Cornell Multi-grid Coupled Tsunami Model
The Cornell Multi-grid Coupled Tsunami (COMCOT) model is a specialized numerical tool designed for simulating the entire life cycle of a tsunami—from its initial generation to its transoceanic propagation and eventual coastal inundation. Version 1.7 is a widely recognized iteration that introduced critical stability and multi-grid features still used by researchers today. Key Features of COMCOT 1.7
COMCOT is primarily known for its ability to handle complex geographical scales through its nested grid system.
Multi-grid Coupling: Allows for high-resolution simulation in coastal areas (nested child grids) while maintaining lower resolution in the deep ocean (parent grids) to save computational time.
Diverse Coordinates: Solves shallow water equations (SWE) in both Spherical coordinates (for large-scale oceanic propagation) and Cartesian coordinates (for localized coastal studies).
Physics Options: Users can choose between linear and non-linear shallow water equations, depending on the water depth and the intensity of the wave.
Inundation Modeling: Includes a moving boundary technique to accurately simulate how water moves onto land (runup) and retreats. Where to Download COMCOT 1.7
While COMCOT is often distributed through academic partnerships, several public repositories and resources provide access to version 1.7 or its specialized variants:
Standard Source Code (Fortran): The core model is typically written in Fortran 90. Public forks, such as comcot-gfortran on GitHub, contain version 1.7 code modified for modern compilers.
Specialized Variants: For specific research needs, such as typhoon-induced wave modeling, researchers have released modified versions like whiteliutw/COMCOT, which is based on the 1.7 kernel.
Official Documentation: The COMCOT 1.7 User Manual is essential for new users and can be found on academic platforms like Scribd. Installation and Setup COMCOT 1.7 User Manual | PDF | Tsunami - Scribd
COMCOT version 1.7 (COrnell Multi-grid COupled Tsunami Model) is a powerful, long-standing numerical tool for simulating the entire lifespan of a tsunami—from generation and propagation to coastal run-up and inundation. Step 2 – Verify the File Integrity Once
Developed by Xiaoming Wang at Cornell University, this version is widely regarded as a benchmark in tsunami modeling due to its efficient use of nested grids
. These grids allow researchers to use coarse resolution in the deep ocean and transition to ultra-fine resolution near the shore, providing high-accuracy results without overwhelming computational costs. Key Features of COMCOT 1.7 Dual Governing Equations
: It can solve both linear and non-linear shallow water equations, making it versatile for deep-sea propagation and complex nearshore dynamics. Nested Grid System
: Dynamically couples multiple layers of different resolutions to capture small-scale coastal features. Flexible Source Mechanisms
: Supports various seafloor disturbances, including seismic faulting and initial water surface displacements. Coordinate Flexibility
: Operates in both Spherical (for global/regional scales) and Cartesian (for local coastal scales) coordinate systems. Where to Find the Download
While the original official distribution was through Cornell University, the most reliable modern way to access the source code and its utilities is through academic repositories and community-maintained mirrors: Source Code & Utilities : Community versions and patches, such as AndybnACT's COMCOT-Utilities
, often include performance upgrades like faster arrival time processing. Specialized Variants
: Versions adapted for specific use cases (like typhoon models or GPU acceleration) can be found on platforms like Documentation
: Detailed user guides explaining the input parameters (bathymetry, fault parameters) and output structures are available on Semantic Scholar Are you planning to use COMCOT for a specific historical event real-time hazard mapping COMCOT Tsunami Model User Manual 1.7 - Scribd
Comcot 1.7 was originally proprietary software owned by CSIRO. While it is considered abandonware (no longer supported or sold), distributing it may still violate copyright. Before downloading, check your local laws regarding obsolete software for non-commercial educational or research purposes as defined by fair use exceptions in some jurisdictions.
CRDC and CSIRO officially recommend using APSIM’s cotton module instead. This article does not host or promote illegal distribution but rather provides information for legacy software enthusiasts and researchers with existing licenses.
Once you find a downloadable executable (e.g., Comcot17_setup.exe or comcot17.zip), check its checksum if provided. More importantly:
setup.exe without the Comcot prefix. Legitimate versions often include “COMCOT” or “COTTONMODEL” in the name.After launching Comcot 1.7 for the first time:
File → Set Directory and choose C:\COM107\DATA.AUS_COTTON.WTH.Do not simply Google “Comcot 1.7 download” and click the first link. Many shady sites bundle keygens, adware, or trojans. Instead, try these safer avenues:
Cause: The program lacks write permissions.
Fix: Never install Comcot 1.7 to Program Files. Move the entire folder to C:\Comcot17 and give “Full control” to the Users group.