parcels logo

Parcels
A highly customisable Lagrangian simulation framework

Parcels provides a set of Python classes and methods to create customisable particle tracking simulations using gridded output from (ocean) circulation models.

Animation of virtual particles in the global oceans
Get Started

Key Features & Capabilities

Parcels can be used to track passive and active particulates such as water, plankton, plastic, icebergs, and fish using data from flow datasets.

Use data from any (curvilinear) grid

Parcels works on model outputs including NEMO, POP, MITgcm, and more.

Combine data on different grids

Create a single Parcels FieldSet from multiple different model outputs.

Define and execute custom kernels

Encode custom particle operations such as swimming or sinking.

Advect particles in 2D and 3D

Use built-in kernels for Runge-Kutta4 and Runge-Kutta45 schemes.

Diffuse particles in 2D

Use built-in kernels for the Milstein and Euler-Maruyama schemes.

Start and stop particles during execution

For example, to simulate oil spills or fish spawning.

Simulate particle-particle interactions

For example, to simulate aggregation or mortality.

Output particle data in zarr format

For highly efficient output of particle data.

Projects

This section lists some of the standalone packages and projects developed with Parcels.

PlasticParcels

PlasticParcels is a Python package to simulate the transport and dispersion of plastics in the ocean.

VirtualShip Parcels

VirtualShipParcels is a command-line simulator to plan and conduct a virtual research expedition.

VirtualFleet

Virtual Fleet is a Python tool that simulates Argo floats trajectories and measurement.

Funders

Parcels development has been supported by the following organisations:

The Dutch Research Council (NWO)The European Research Council under the H2020 Starting Grant TOPIOS project (grant agreement No 715386).ESPRCBMBF via the Warmworld projectUtrecht University
parcels logo

© 2025, Parcels core developers. Apache 2.0 Licensed.

Parcels

How to cite ParcelsPapers citing ParcelsBlogBrand AssetsAccessibility