A mapping of discrete points onto a continuum (e.g. the ocean, the atmosphere, etc.) to comprise a grid-like structure. This is done to enable a numerical solution of the equations governing the specific continuum in cases where analytical solutions are impossible or infeasible due to irregular boundary conditions, nonlinearities in the governing equations, or some combination thereof. A discretized version of the equations is solved at each point in the grid, and the collection of these solutions is combined (usually graphically) to recover a continuum-like solution. It is hoped that this solution well approximates the hypothesised correct solution.