Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is a scene description language that describes three-dimensional environments and which allows users to access, navigate, explore and interact with environmental data in three dimensions on the Web. VRML is scaleable across platforms ranging from PCs to high-end workstations, and can be viewed either with a web browser plug-in or with stand-alone software.  A VRML world typically consists of polygonal surfaces that mimic the real environment.  In oceanographic terms this includes contoured 'slices', vector fields, bathymetry or topography, and textured surfaces.   These objects can be touched, rotated, or animated using controls that the browser provides.  This relatively new technology has been developed only over the last few years, and an international open standard has been accepted as of December, 1997 (VRML-ISO, 1998).

The VRML world to the left depicts output of a coupled bio-physical model developed by NOAA's Al Hermann and Sarah Hinckley of walleye pollock in Shelikof Strait, Alaska.  It incorporates GMT coastline data, Etopo5 bathymetry, physical dynamics such as advection, wind forcing and freshwater input, as well as biological dynamics such as vertical migration, larva development, and multiple trophic levels.  The fish move, morph from one larva state to another, and change color according to variables from the model.  See http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/vrml for this world.