# mesh-continents v3.2.3

**Mercurial revision 5803:7164e00e8f3d | 2026-08-18**

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## Description

`mesh-continents` is a tool designed to **extend a 2D mesh on land**. It processes an input mesh and generates an extended mesh that includes land areas, ensuring continuity and coherence in the output.

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## Usage

```bash
mesh-continents [OPTIONS]
```

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## Options


| Option              | Description                                                                                   |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `-h`, `--help`      | Display this help message and exit.                                                           |
| `--rootname <name>` | Root name for intermediate output files. **Default:** `<base_path_of_input_mesh>-continents`. |
| `--debug`           | Generate extra output files for debugging purposes.                                           |
| `--recover`         | Use files produced with `--debug` to recover after a crash. **Note:** Implies `--debug`.      |
| `-m <path>`         | Path to the input mesh file to extend. **Required.**                                          |
| `-o <path>`         | Path to the output mesh file. **Default:** `<rootname>.nei`.                                  |


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## Examples

### **Basic Usage**

Extend a mesh and save the output with the default name:

```bash
mesh-continents -m input_mesh.nei
```

### **Custom Root Name**

Specify a custom root name for intermediate files:

```bash
mesh-continents -m input_mesh.nei --rootname my_mesh
```

### **Debug Mode**

Generate debug files to analyze the process:

```bash
mesh-continents -m input_mesh.nei --debug
```

### **Recover from Crash**

Use debug files to recover after a crash:

```bash
mesh-continents -m input_mesh.nei --recover
```

### **Custom Output Path**

Specify a custom output path:

```bash
mesh-continents -m input_mesh.nei -o output_mesh.nei
```

### **Combining Options**

Combine multiple options for a complete workflow:

```bash
mesh-continents -m input_mesh.nei --rootname my_mesh --debug -o custom_output.nei
```

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## Environment Variables

`mesh-continents` does not rely on specific environment variables. However, ensure your system has sufficient resources (CPU, memory, and disk space) for processing large meshes.

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## Notes

1. **Input Mesh:**
  - The input mesh (`-m`) must be a valid **2D mesh file** in the expected format.
2. **Output Files:**
  - If `--rootname` is not specified, the default root name is derived from the input mesh path (e.g., `input_mesh-continents`).
  - The output mesh is saved as `<rootname>.nei` unless specified otherwise with `-o`.
3. **Debug and Recovery:**
  - `--debug` generates additional files to help diagnose issues.
  - `--recover` uses these debug files to resume processing after a crash. **Note:** This option automatically enables `--debug`.
4. **Performance:**
  - Extending large meshes may require significant computational resources. Monitor system performance during execution.

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## See Also

- [Mesh Processing Tools](https://www.comodo-ocean.fr/) (for related tools and utilities)