iobridge.F90

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module iobridge_mod
  use monc_component_mod, only : component_double_data_type, component_integer_data_type, component_descriptor_type, &
       component_field_value_type, component_field_information_type
  use collections_mod, only : hashmap_type, map_type, list_type, c_contains, c_get_generic, c_get_string, c_put_generic, &
       c_put_integer, c_size, c_key_at, c_free
  use conversions_mod, only : conv_to_string
  use state_mod, only : model_state_type
  use grids_mod, only : x_index, y_index, z_index, local_grid_type
  use optionsdatabase_mod, only : options_size, options_get_logical
  use prognostics_mod, only : prognostic_field_type
  use datadefn_mod, only : default_precision, single_precision, double_precision, string_length
  use logging_mod, only : log_error, log_warn, log_log, log_master_log
  use optionsdatabase_mod, only : options_get_integer
  use q_indices_mod, only : q_metadata_type, get_indices_descriptor
  use registry_mod, only : get_all_component_published_fields, get_component_field_value, &
       get_component_field_information, is_component_enabled
  use io_server_client_mod, only : command_tag, data_tag, register_command, deregister_command, data_command_start, &
       array_field_type, scalar_field_type, map_field_type, integer_data_type, boolean_data_type, string_data_type, &
       float_data_type, double_data_type, local_sizes_key, local_start_points_key, local_end_points_key, number_q_indicies_key, &
       data_sizing_description_type, definition_description_type, field_description_type, build_mpi_type_data_sizing_description,&
       build_mpi_type_field_description, build_mpi_type_definition_description, populate_mpi_type_extents, append_mpi_datatype, &
       get_mpi_datatype_from_internal_representation, pack_scalar_field, pack_array_field, pack_map_field
  use mpi, only : mpi_comm_world, mpi_int, mpi_byte, mpi_request_null, mpi_statuses_ignore, mpi_status_ignore, mpi_status_size
  use q_indices_mod, only : q_metadata_type, get_max_number_q_indices, get_indices_descriptor, get_number_active_q_indices
 
  use conditional_diagnostics_column_mod, only : ncond, ndiag, cond_request, diag_request, cond_long, diag_long
 
 
  implicit none
 
#ifndef TEST_MODE
  private
#endif
 
  type io_server_sendable_field_sizing
     integer :: number_dimensions, dimensions(4)
  end type io_server_sendable_field_sizing
 
  type io_configuration_field_type
     character(len=STRING_LENGTH) :: name
     integer :: field_type, data_type
     logical :: optional, enabled
  end type io_configuration_field_type
 
  type io_configuration_data_definition_type
     character(len=STRING_LENGTH) :: name
     logical :: send_on_terminate
     integer :: number_of_data_fields, frequency, mpi_datatype
     type(io_configuration_field_type), dimension(:), allocatable :: fields
     integer :: dump_requests(2)
     character, dimension(:), allocatable :: send_buffer
  end type io_configuration_data_definition_type
 
  type(io_configuration_data_definition_type), dimension(:), allocatable :: data_definitions
  type(map_type) :: unique_field_names, sendable_fields, component_field_descriptions
  logical :: io_server_enabled, in_finalisation_callback
 
  public iobridge_get_descriptor
 
contains 
 
  type(component_descriptor_type) function iobridge_get_descriptor()
    iobridge_get_descriptor%name="iobridge"
    iobridge_get_descriptor%version=0.1
    iobridge_get_descriptor%initialisation=>init_callback
    iobridge_get_descriptor%timestep=>timestep_callback
    iobridge_get_descriptor%finalisation=>finalisation_callback
  end function iobridge_get_descriptor
 
  subroutine init_callback(current_state)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
 
    integer :: mpi_type_data_sizing_description, mpi_type_definition_description, mpi_type_field_description, ierr
 
    if (.not. options_get_logical(current_state%options_database, "enable_io_server")) then
      io_server_enabled=.false.
      call log_master_log(log_warn, "Enabled IO bridge but missing IO server compilation, therefore ignoring IO bridge component")
      return
    end if
 
    io_server_enabled=.true.
    in_finalisation_callback=.false.
 
    call populate_sendable_fields(current_state)
 
    mpi_type_data_sizing_description=build_mpi_type_data_sizing_description()
    mpi_type_definition_description=build_mpi_type_definition_description()
    mpi_type_field_description=build_mpi_type_field_description()
 
    call register_with_io_server(current_state, mpi_type_definition_description, mpi_type_field_description)
    call send_monc_specific_data_to_server(current_state, mpi_type_data_sizing_description)
 
    call mpi_type_free(mpi_type_data_sizing_description, ierr)
    call mpi_type_free(mpi_type_definition_description, ierr)
    call mpi_type_free(mpi_type_field_description, ierr)
 
    call build_mpi_data_types()
  end subroutine init_callback
 
  subroutine timestep_callback(current_state)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
 
    integer :: i
 
    if (.not. io_server_enabled) return
 
    do i=1, size(data_definitions)
      if (data_definitions(i)%frequency .gt. 0) then
        if (mod(current_state%timestep, data_definitions(i)%frequency) == 0) then
          call send_data_to_io_server(current_state, i)
        end if
      end if
    end do
  end subroutine timestep_callback
 
  subroutine send_data_to_io_server(current_state, data_index)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    integer, intent(in) :: data_index
 
    integer :: command_to_send, ierr
 
    if (data_definitions(data_index)%dump_requests(1) .ne. mpi_request_null .or. &
         data_definitions(data_index)%dump_requests(2) .ne. mpi_request_null) then
      ! Here wait for previous data dump to complete (consider extending to using buffers for performance)
      call mpi_waitall(2, data_definitions(data_index)%dump_requests, mpi_statuses_ignore, ierr)
    end if
 
    ! Pack the send buffer and send it to the IO server
    call pack_send_buffer(current_state, data_definitions(data_index))
 
    command_to_send=data_command_start+data_index
    call mpi_issend(command_to_send, 1, mpi_int, current_state%parallel%corresponding_io_server_process, &
         command_tag, mpi_comm_world, data_definitions(data_index)%dump_requests(1), ierr)
    call mpi_issend(data_definitions(data_index)%send_buffer, 1, data_definitions(data_index)%mpi_datatype, &
         current_state%parallel%corresponding_io_server_process, data_tag+data_index, mpi_comm_world, &
         data_definitions(data_index)%dump_requests(2), ierr)
  end subroutine send_data_to_io_server  
 
  subroutine finalisation_callback(current_state)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
 
    integer :: ierr, i
 
    if (.not. io_server_enabled) return
    in_finalisation_callback=.true.
 
    do i=1, size(data_definitions)      
      if (data_definitions(i)%send_on_terminate) then
        call send_data_to_io_server(current_state, i)
      end if
      if (data_definitions(i)%dump_requests(1) .ne. mpi_request_null .or. &
           data_definitions(i)%dump_requests(2) .ne. mpi_request_null) then
        call mpi_waitall(2, data_definitions(i)%dump_requests, mpi_statuses_ignore, ierr)
      end if
      if (allocated(data_definitions(i)%send_buffer)) deallocate(data_definitions(i)%send_buffer)
      call mpi_type_free(data_definitions(i)%mpi_datatype, ierr)
    end do
    call mpi_send(deregister_command, 1, mpi_int, current_state%parallel%corresponding_io_server_process, &
         command_tag, mpi_comm_world, ierr)
  end subroutine finalisation_callback
 
  subroutine build_mpi_data_types()
    integer :: i, dump_send_buffer_size
 
    do i=1, size(data_definitions)
      dump_send_buffer_size=build_mpi_data_type_for_definition(data_definitions(i))
      data_definitions(i)%dump_requests=(/mpi_request_null, mpi_request_null/)
      allocate(data_definitions(i)%send_buffer(dump_send_buffer_size))
    end do    
  end subroutine build_mpi_data_types
 
  integer function build_mpi_data_type_for_definition(specific_data_definition)
    type(io_configuration_data_definition_type), intent(inout) :: specific_data_definition
 
    integer :: type_extents(5), type_counts, i, j, tempsize, field_start, data_type, field_array_sizes, &
         temp_size, prev_data_type, old_types(20), offsets(20), block_counts(20), ierr, field_ignores
    logical :: field_found
    type(io_server_sendable_field_sizing) :: field_size_info
 
    type_extents=populate_mpi_type_extents()
 
    field_start=1
    data_type=0
    type_counts=0
    field_array_sizes=0
    field_ignores=0
    do i=1, specific_data_definition%number_of_data_fields
      if (data_type == 0) then
        prev_data_type=data_type        
        data_type=specific_data_definition%fields(i)%data_type
      else
        if (data_type .ne. specific_data_definition%fields(i)%data_type) then
          ! For efficient type packing, combine multiple fields with the same type - therefore when the type changes work the previous one pack
          call append_mpi_datatype(field_start, i-1-field_ignores, field_array_sizes, data_type, &
               type_extents, prev_data_type, type_counts+1, old_types, offsets, block_counts)
          field_start=i
          field_array_sizes=0
          field_ignores=0
          prev_data_type=data_type                   
          data_type=specific_data_definition%fields(i)%data_type
          type_counts=type_counts+1
        end if
      end if
 
      if (specific_data_definition%fields(i)%field_type .eq. array_field_type .or. &
           specific_data_definition%fields(i)%field_type .eq. map_field_type) then
        ! Grab the field info based upon the field name
        field_size_info=get_sendable_field_sizing(specific_data_definition%fields(i)%name, field_found)
        specific_data_definition%fields(i)%enabled=field_found
        if (.not. field_found .or. field_size_info%number_dimensions == 0) then
          ! If no field info, or the dimension is 0 then this MONC process is not sending that field - check it is optional
          if (.not. specific_data_definition%fields(i)%optional) then
            call log_log(log_error, "Non optional field `"//trim(specific_data_definition%fields(i)%name)//&
                 "' omitted from MONC IO server registration")
          end if
          field_ignores=field_ignores+1
        else
          ! If the field is specified then use the size data to assemble the field size and append to current size
          temp_size=1
          do j=1, field_size_info%number_dimensions
            temp_size=temp_size*field_size_info%dimensions(j)
          end do
          if (specific_data_definition%fields(i)%field_type .eq. map_field_type) then
            field_array_sizes=(field_array_sizes+temp_size*string_length*2)-1
          else
            field_array_sizes=(field_array_sizes+temp_size)-1
          end if
        end if
      else
        if (specific_data_definition%fields(i)%optional) then
          field_size_info=get_sendable_field_sizing(specific_data_definition%fields(i)%name, field_found)
          specific_data_definition%fields(i)%enabled=field_found
          if (.not. field_found) field_ignores=field_ignores+1
        end if        
      end if
    end do
    if (field_start .le. i-1) then
      ! If there are outstanding fields to process then we do this here
      call append_mpi_datatype(field_start, i-1, field_array_sizes, data_type, &
               type_extents, prev_data_type, type_counts+1, old_types, offsets, block_counts)
      type_counts=type_counts+1
    end if
 
    call mpi_type_struct(type_counts, block_counts, offsets, old_types, specific_data_definition%mpi_datatype, ierr) 
    call mpi_type_commit(specific_data_definition%mpi_datatype, ierr)
    call mpi_type_size(specific_data_definition%mpi_datatype, tempsize, ierr)
    build_mpi_data_type_for_definition=tempsize
  end function build_mpi_data_type_for_definition
 
  subroutine populate_sendable_fields(current_state)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
 
    type(list_type) :: published_field_descriptors
    integer :: i
 
    call populate_globally_visible_sendable_fields(current_state)
    published_field_descriptors=get_all_component_published_fields()
    do i=1, c_size(published_field_descriptors)
      call populate_component_public_field(current_state, c_get_string(published_field_descriptors, i))
    end do    
  end subroutine populate_sendable_fields
 
  subroutine populate_component_public_field(current_state, field_name)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    character(len=*), intent(in) :: field_name
 
    class(*), pointer :: generic_data
    type(io_server_sendable_field_sizing), pointer :: field_sizing
    type(component_field_information_type) :: field_information
    type(component_field_information_type), pointer :: field_information_info_alloc
 
 
    field_information=get_component_field_information(current_state, field_name)
    if (field_information%enabled) then
      allocate(field_information_info_alloc, source=field_information)
      generic_data=>field_information_info_alloc
      call c_put_generic(component_field_descriptions, field_name, generic_data, .false.)
 
      allocate(field_sizing)
      field_sizing%number_dimensions=field_information%number_dimensions
      field_sizing%dimensions=field_information%dimension_sizes
      generic_data=>field_sizing
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, field_name, generic_data, .false.)
    end if
  end subroutine populate_component_public_field  
 
  subroutine populate_globally_visible_sendable_fields(current_state)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
 
    integer :: x_size, y_size, z_size
    class(*), pointer :: raw_generic
 
    z_size=current_state%local_grid%size(z_index)
    y_size=current_state%local_grid%size(y_index)
    x_size=current_state%local_grid%size(x_index)
 
    raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(options_size(current_state%options_database))
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "options_database", raw_generic, .false.)
    if (get_number_active_q_indices() .gt. 0) then
      raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(get_number_active_q_indices())
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "q_indicies", raw_generic, .false.)
    end if
    raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(3)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "local_grid_size", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "local_grid_start", raw_generic, .false.)
#ifdef U_ACTIVE
    raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description()
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "x_size", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "x_bottom", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "x_resolution", raw_generic, .false.)
    raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size, y_size, x_size)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "u", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "u_nogal", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "zu", raw_generic, .false.)
    if (allocated(current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olubar)) then
      raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size)
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "olubar", raw_generic, .false.)
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "olzubar", raw_generic, .false.)
    end if
#endif
#ifdef V_ACTIVE
    raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description()
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "y_size", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "y_bottom", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "y_resolution", raw_generic, .false.)
    raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size, y_size, x_size)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "v", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "v_nogal", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "zv", raw_generic, .false.)
    if (allocated(current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olvbar)) then
      raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size)
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "olvbar", raw_generic, .false.)
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "olzvbar", raw_generic, .false.)
    end if
#endif
#ifdef W_ACTIVE
    raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "z", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "thref", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "prefn", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "rhon", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "rho", raw_generic, .false.)
    raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size, y_size, x_size)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "w", raw_generic, .false.)
    call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "zw", raw_generic, .false.)
#endif          
    if (current_state%number_q_fields .gt. 0) then
      raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size, y_size, x_size, current_state%number_q_fields)
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "q", raw_generic, .false.)
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "zq", raw_generic, .false.)
      if (allocated(current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olqbar)) then
        raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size, current_state%number_q_fields)
        call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "olqbar", raw_generic, .false.)
        call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "olzqbar", raw_generic, .false.)
      end if
    end if
    if (current_state%th%active) then
      raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size, y_size, x_size)
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "th", raw_generic, .false.)
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "zth", raw_generic, .false.)
      if (allocated(current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olthbar)) then
        raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size)
        call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "olthbar", raw_generic, .false.)
        call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "olzthbar", raw_generic, .false.)
      end if
    end if
    if (current_state%p%active) then
      raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size, y_size, x_size)
      call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "p", raw_generic, .false.)   
    end if
    ! need to dump heating rate tendency from socrates radiation
    if (is_component_enabled(current_state%options_database, "socrates_couple")) then
       raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size, y_size, x_size)
       call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "sth_lw", raw_generic, .false.)
       call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "sth_sw", raw_generic, .false.)
    endif
       
    if (is_component_enabled(current_state%options_database, "pdf_analysis")) then
      if (allocated(current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%w_up)) then
        raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size)
        call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "w_up", raw_generic, .false.)
      end if
 
      if (allocated(current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%w_dwn)) then
        raw_generic=>generate_sendable_description(z_size)
        call c_put_generic(sendable_fields, "w_dwn", raw_generic, .false.)
      end if
    end if 
 
  end subroutine populate_globally_visible_sendable_fields  
 
  function generate_sendable_description(dim1, dim2, dim3, dim4)
    integer, intent(in), optional :: dim1, dim2, dim3, dim4
    class(*), pointer :: generate_sendable_description
 
    type(io_server_sendable_field_sizing), pointer :: field
    integer :: number_dimensions
 
    allocate(field)
    number_dimensions=0
    field%dimensions=0
    if (present(dim1)) then
      field%dimensions(1)=dim1
      number_dimensions=number_dimensions+1
    end if
    if (present(dim2)) then
      field%dimensions(2)=dim2
      number_dimensions=number_dimensions+1
    end if
    if (present(dim3)) then
      field%dimensions(3)=dim3
      number_dimensions=number_dimensions+1
    end if
    if (present(dim4)) then
      field%dimensions(4)=dim4
      number_dimensions=number_dimensions+1
    end if
    field%number_dimensions=number_dimensions
    generate_sendable_description=>field
  end function generate_sendable_description
 
  subroutine send_monc_specific_data_to_server(current_state, mpi_type_data_sizing_description)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    integer, intent(in) :: mpi_type_data_sizing_description
 
    type(data_sizing_description_type), dimension(:), allocatable :: data_description
    character, dimension(:), allocatable :: buffer
    integer :: number_unique_fields, buffer_size, request_handles(2), ierr
    real(kind=default_precision) :: dreal
 
    number_unique_fields=c_size(unique_field_names)
    allocate(data_description(number_unique_fields+4))
    request_handles(1)=send_data_field_sizes_to_server(current_state, mpi_type_data_sizing_description, &
       data_description, number_unique_fields)
    buffer_size=(kind(dreal)*current_state%local_grid%size(z_index))*2 + (string_length * current_state%number_q_fields &
                 + 4*ncond*string_length + 2*ndiag*string_length )
    allocate(buffer(buffer_size))
    request_handles(2)=send_general_monc_information_to_server(current_state, buffer)
    call mpi_waitall(2, request_handles, mpi_statuses_ignore, ierr)
    deallocate(data_description)
    deallocate(buffer)
  end subroutine send_monc_specific_data_to_server  
 
  integer function send_data_field_sizes_to_server(current_state, mpi_type_data_sizing_description, &
       data_description, number_unique_fields)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    integer, intent(in) :: mpi_type_data_sizing_description, number_unique_fields
    type(data_sizing_description_type), dimension(:), intent(inout) :: data_description
 
    integer :: ierr, i, next_index, request_handle
    character(len=STRING_LENGTH) :: field_name
    
    call package_local_monc_decomposition_into_descriptions(current_state, data_description)
    next_index=5
    do i=1, number_unique_fields
      field_name=c_key_at(unique_field_names, i)
      if (c_contains(sendable_fields, field_name)) then
        call assemble_individual_description(data_description, next_index, field_name, get_sendable_field_sizing(field_name))
        next_index=next_index+1
      end if      
    end do    
 
    call mpi_isend(data_description, next_index-1, mpi_type_data_sizing_description, &
         current_state%parallel%corresponding_io_server_process, data_tag, mpi_comm_world, request_handle, ierr)
    send_data_field_sizes_to_server=request_handle
  end function send_data_field_sizes_to_server
 
  integer function send_general_monc_information_to_server(current_state, buffer)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    character, dimension(:), intent(inout) :: buffer
    
    character(len=STRING_LENGTH) :: q_field_name, cd_field_name
    type(q_metadata_type) :: q_meta_data
    integer :: current_loc, n, ierr, request_handle    
    
    current_loc=1
    current_loc=pack_array_field(buffer, current_loc, real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%zn)
    if (current_state%number_q_fields .gt. 0) then
      do n=1, current_state%number_q_fields
        q_meta_data=get_indices_descriptor(n)       
        if (q_meta_data%l_used) then
          q_field_name=q_meta_data%name
        else
          q_field_name="qfield_"//trim(conv_to_string(n))
        end if        
        current_loc=pack_scalar_field(buffer, current_loc, string_value=q_field_name)
      end do
    end if
    current_loc=pack_array_field(buffer, current_loc, real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%z)
 
    do n=1,ncond*2 
      if (n .le. ncond) then
        cd_field_name = cond_request(n)
        current_loc=pack_scalar_field(buffer, current_loc, string_value=cd_field_name)
       cd_field_name = cond_long(n)
        current_loc=pack_scalar_field(buffer, current_loc, string_value=cd_field_name)
      else
        cd_field_name = .not." "//trim(cond_request(n-ncond))
        current_loc=pack_scalar_field(buffer, current_loc, string_value=cd_field_name)
        cd_field_name = .not." "//trim(cond_long(n-ncond))
        current_loc=pack_scalar_field(buffer, current_loc, string_value=cd_field_name)
      end if
    end do    
    do n=1,ndiag
      cd_field_name = diag_request(n)
      current_loc=pack_scalar_field(buffer, current_loc, string_value=cd_field_name)
      cd_field_name = diag_long(n)
      current_loc=pack_scalar_field(buffer, current_loc, string_value=cd_field_name)
    end do
 
 
    call mpi_isend(buffer, current_loc-1, mpi_byte, current_state%parallel%corresponding_io_server_process, &
         data_tag, mpi_comm_world, request_handle, ierr)    
    send_general_monc_information_to_server=request_handle
  end function send_general_monc_information_to_server  
 
  subroutine package_local_monc_decomposition_into_descriptions(current_state, data_description)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    type(data_sizing_description_type), dimension(:), intent(inout) :: data_description
 
    type(io_server_sendable_field_sizing) :: sizing_info
 
    sizing_info%number_dimensions=3
    sizing_info%dimensions(z_index)=current_state%local_grid%size(z_index)
    sizing_info%dimensions(y_index)=current_state%local_grid%size(y_index)
    sizing_info%dimensions(x_index)=current_state%local_grid%size(x_index)
    call assemble_individual_description(data_description, 1, local_sizes_key, sizing_info)
    sizing_info%dimensions(z_index)=current_state%local_grid%start(z_index)
    sizing_info%dimensions(y_index)=current_state%local_grid%start(y_index)
    sizing_info%dimensions(x_index)=current_state%local_grid%start(x_index)
    call assemble_individual_description(data_description, 2, local_start_points_key, sizing_info)
    sizing_info%dimensions(z_index)=current_state%local_grid%end(z_index)
    sizing_info%dimensions(y_index)=current_state%local_grid%end(y_index)
    sizing_info%dimensions(x_index)=current_state%local_grid%end(x_index)
    call assemble_individual_description(data_description, 3, local_end_points_key, sizing_info)
    sizing_info%number_dimensions=1
    sizing_info%dimensions(1)=get_number_active_q_indices()
    call assemble_individual_description(data_description, 4, number_q_indicies_key, sizing_info)
  end subroutine package_local_monc_decomposition_into_descriptions  
 
  type(io_server_sendable_field_sizing) function get_sendable_field_sizing(field_name, field_found)
    character(len=*), intent(in) :: field_name
    logical, intent(out), optional :: field_found
 
    class(*), pointer :: generic
 
    if (present(field_found)) field_found=.false.
    if (c_contains(sendable_fields, field_name)) then
      generic=>c_get_generic(sendable_fields, field_name)
      select type(generic)
      type is (io_server_sendable_field_sizing)
        get_sendable_field_sizing=generic
        if (present(field_found)) field_found=.true.
      end select
    end if
  end function get_sendable_field_sizing
 
  type(component_field_information_type) function get_component_field_descriptor(field_name)
    character(len=*), intent(in) :: field_name
 
    class(*), pointer :: generic
    if (c_contains(component_field_descriptions, field_name)) then
      generic=>c_get_generic(component_field_descriptions, field_name)
      select type(generic)
      type is (component_field_information_type)
        get_component_field_descriptor=generic
      end select
    end if
  end function get_component_field_descriptor   
 
  subroutine assemble_individual_description(data_description, index, field_name, field_sizing_description)
    integer, intent(in) :: index
    character(len=*), intent(in) :: field_name
    type(io_server_sendable_field_sizing), intent(in) :: field_sizing_description
    type(data_sizing_description_type), dimension(:), intent(inout) :: data_description
 
    data_description(index)%field_name=field_name
    data_description(index)%dimensions=field_sizing_description%number_dimensions
    data_description(index)%dim_sizes=field_sizing_description%dimensions
  end subroutine assemble_individual_description 
  
  subroutine register_with_io_server(current_state, mpi_type_definition_description, mpi_type_field_description)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    integer, intent(in) :: mpi_type_definition_description, mpi_type_field_description
 
    type(definition_description_type), dimension(:), allocatable :: definition_descriptions
    type(field_description_type), dimension(:), allocatable :: field_descriptions
    integer :: number_defns, number_fields, status(MPI_STATUS_SIZE), ierr
 
    call mpi_send(register_command, 1, mpi_int, current_state%parallel%corresponding_io_server_process, &
         command_tag, mpi_comm_world, ierr)
 
    call mpi_probe(current_state%parallel%corresponding_io_server_process, data_tag, mpi_comm_world, status, ierr)
    call mpi_get_count(status, mpi_type_definition_description, number_defns, ierr)
    allocate(definition_descriptions(number_defns))
 
    call mpi_recv(definition_descriptions, number_defns, mpi_type_definition_description, &
         current_state%parallel%corresponding_io_server_process, data_tag, mpi_comm_world, mpi_status_ignore, ierr)
    number_fields=get_total_number_of_fields(definition_descriptions, number_defns)
 
    allocate(field_descriptions(number_fields))
    call mpi_recv(field_descriptions, number_fields, mpi_type_field_description, &
         current_state%parallel%corresponding_io_server_process, data_tag, mpi_comm_world, mpi_status_ignore, ierr)
    call populate_data_definition_configuration(definition_descriptions, number_defns, field_descriptions, number_fields)
    deallocate(definition_descriptions)
  end subroutine register_with_io_server
 
  integer function get_total_number_of_fields(definition_descriptions, number_defns)
    type(definition_description_type), dimension(:), intent(inout) :: definition_descriptions
    integer, intent(in) :: number_defns
 
    integer :: i
 
    get_total_number_of_fields=0
    do i=1, number_defns
      get_total_number_of_fields=get_total_number_of_fields+definition_descriptions(i)%number_fields
    end do    
  end function get_total_number_of_fields
 
  subroutine populate_data_definition_configuration(definition_descriptions, number_defns, field_descriptions, number_fields)
    type(definition_description_type), dimension(:), intent(inout) :: definition_descriptions
    type(field_description_type), dimension(:), intent(inout) :: field_descriptions
    integer, intent(in) :: number_defns, number_fields
 
    integer :: i, definition_index, field_index
 
    allocate(data_definitions(number_defns))
    do i=1, number_defns
      data_definitions(i)%name=definition_descriptions(i)%definition_name
      data_definitions(i)%send_on_terminate=definition_descriptions(i)%send_on_terminate
      data_definitions(i)%number_of_data_fields=0 ! Will increment this for each field
      data_definitions(i)%frequency=definition_descriptions(i)%frequency
      allocate(data_definitions(i)%fields(definition_descriptions(i)%number_fields))
    end do
    do i=1, number_fields
      definition_index=get_definition_index(field_descriptions(i)%definition_name)
      field_index=data_definitions(definition_index)%number_of_data_fields+1
      data_definitions(definition_index)%number_of_data_fields=field_index
      data_definitions(definition_index)%fields(field_index)%name=field_descriptions(i)%field_name
      data_definitions(definition_index)%fields(field_index)%field_type=field_descriptions(i)%field_type      
      data_definitions(definition_index)%fields(field_index)%data_type=field_descriptions(i)%data_type
      data_definitions(definition_index)%fields(field_index)%optional=field_descriptions(i)%optional
      if (field_descriptions(i)%optional .or. field_descriptions(i)%field_type == array_field_type .or. &
           field_descriptions(i)%field_type == map_field_type) then
        call c_put_integer(unique_field_names, field_descriptions(i)%field_name, 1)
      end if
      if (.not. field_descriptions(i)%optional) data_definitions(definition_index)%fields(field_index)%enabled=.true.
    end do    
  end subroutine populate_data_definition_configuration
 
  integer function get_definition_index(name)
    character(len=*), intent(in) :: name
 
    integer :: i
    do i=1, size(data_definitions)
      if (data_definitions(i)%name .eq. name) then
        get_definition_index=i
        return
      end if
    end do
    get_definition_index=-1
  end function get_definition_index  
 
  subroutine pack_send_buffer(current_state, data_definition)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    type(io_configuration_data_definition_type), intent(inout) :: data_definition
 
    integer :: current_buffer_point, i
 
    current_buffer_point=1
    do i=1, data_definition%number_of_data_fields
      if (data_definition%fields(i)%enabled) then
        if (data_definition%fields(i)%field_type == array_field_type) then
          current_buffer_point=pack_array_into_send_buffer(current_state, data_definition, data_definition%fields(i), &
               current_buffer_point)
        else if (data_definition%fields(i)%field_type == map_field_type) then
          current_buffer_point=pack_map_into_send_buffer(current_state, data_definition, data_definition%fields(i), &
               current_buffer_point)
        else if (data_definition%fields(i)%field_type == scalar_field_type) then
          current_buffer_point=pack_scalar_into_send_buffer(current_state, data_definition, data_definition%fields(i), &
               current_buffer_point)
        end if
      end if
    end do
  end subroutine pack_send_buffer
 
  integer function pack_scalar_into_send_buffer(current_state, data_definition, field, current_buffer_point)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    type(io_configuration_data_definition_type), intent(inout) :: data_definition
    type(io_configuration_field_type), intent(in) :: field
    integer, intent(in) :: current_buffer_point
 
    if (field%name .eq. "timestep") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           int_value=current_state%timestep)
    else if (field%name .eq. "terminated") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           logical_value=.not. current_state%continue_timestep .and. in_finalisation_callback)
    else if (field%name .eq. "z_size") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           int_value=current_state%global_grid%size(z_index))
    else if (field%name .eq. "y_size") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           int_value=current_state%global_grid%size(y_index))
    else if (field%name .eq. "y_bottom") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%global_grid%bottom(y_index))
    else if (field%name .eq. "y_top") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%global_grid%top(y_index))
    else if (field%name .eq. "y_resolution") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%global_grid%resolution(y_index))
    else if (field%name .eq. "x_size") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           int_value=current_state%global_grid%size(x_index))
    else if (field%name .eq. "x_bottom") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%global_grid%bottom(x_index))
    else if (field%name .eq. "x_top") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%global_grid%top(x_index))
    else if (field%name .eq. "x_resolution") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%global_grid%resolution(x_index))
    else if (field%name .eq. "time") then
      ! The time is incremented with dtm as the model was about to increment for the next step and this is needed for diagnostics
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%time+current_state%dtm)
    else if (field%name .eq. "ugal") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%ugal)
    else if (field%name .eq. "vgal") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%vgal)
    else if (field%name .eq. "nqfields") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           int_value=current_state%number_q_fields)
    else if (field%name .eq. "dtm") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%dtm)
    else if (field%name .eq. "dtm_new") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%dtm_new)
    else if (field%name .eq. "absolute_new_dtm") then
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_value=current_state%absolute_new_dtm)
    else if (field%name .eq. "rad_last_time") then
       pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
            real_value=current_state%rad_last_time)
    else
      ! Handle component field here
      pack_scalar_into_send_buffer=handle_component_field_scalar_packing_into_send_buffer(current_state, &
           data_definition, field, current_buffer_point)
    end if
  end function pack_scalar_into_send_buffer
 
  integer function handle_component_field_scalar_packing_into_send_buffer(current_state, data_definition, &
       field, current_buffer_point)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    type(io_configuration_data_definition_type), intent(inout) :: data_definition
    type(io_configuration_field_type), intent(in) :: field
    integer, intent(in) :: current_buffer_point
 
    type(component_field_information_type) :: field_descriptor
    type(component_field_value_type) :: published_value
 
    field_descriptor=get_component_field_descriptor(field%name)
    published_value=get_component_field_value(current_state, field%name)
    if (field_descriptor%data_type == component_double_data_type) then
      handle_component_field_scalar_packing_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, &
           current_buffer_point, real_value=published_value%scalar_real)
    else if (field_descriptor%data_type == component_integer_data_type) then
      handle_component_field_scalar_packing_into_send_buffer=pack_scalar_field(data_definition%send_buffer, &
           current_buffer_point, int_value=published_value%scalar_int)         
    end if
  end function handle_component_field_scalar_packing_into_send_buffer 
 
  integer function pack_map_into_send_buffer(current_state, data_definition, field, current_buffer_point)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    type(io_configuration_data_definition_type), intent(inout) :: data_definition
    type(io_configuration_field_type), intent(in) :: field
    integer, intent(in) :: current_buffer_point
 
    integer :: i
    type(q_metadata_type) :: specific_q_data
    type(hashmap_type) :: q_indicies_map
 
    if (field%name .eq. "options_database") then
      pack_map_into_send_buffer=pack_map_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, current_state%options_database)
    else if (field%name .eq. "q_indicies") then
      do i=1, get_max_number_q_indices()
        specific_q_data=get_indices_descriptor(i)
        if (specific_q_data%l_used) then
          call c_put_integer(q_indicies_map, specific_q_data%name, i)
        end if
      end do
      pack_map_into_send_buffer=pack_map_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, q_indicies_map)
      call c_free(q_indicies_map)
    end if    
  end function pack_map_into_send_buffer  
 
  integer function pack_array_into_send_buffer(current_state, data_definition, field, current_buffer_point)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    type(io_configuration_data_definition_type), intent(inout) :: data_definition
    type(io_configuration_field_type), intent(in) :: field
    integer, intent(in) :: current_buffer_point
 
    if (field%name .eq. "local_grid_size") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           int_array=current_state%local_grid%size)
    else if (field%name .eq. "local_grid_start") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           int_array=current_state%local_grid%start)
    else if (field%name .eq. "z") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%z)
    else if (field%name .eq. "olubar") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olubar)
    else if (field%name .eq. "olzubar") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olzubar)
    else if (field%name .eq. "olvbar") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olvbar)
    else if (field%name .eq. "olzvbar") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olzvbar)
    else if (field%name .eq. "olthbar") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olthbar)
    else if (field%name .eq. "olzthbar") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olzthbar)
    else if (field%name .eq. "olqbar") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_2d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olqbar)
    else if (field%name .eq. "olzqbar") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_2d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%olzqbar)
    else if (field%name .eq. "thref") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%thref)
    else if (field%name .eq. "prefn") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%prefn)
    else if (field%name .eq. "rhon") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%rhon)
    else if (field%name .eq. "rho") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%rho)
    else if (field%name .eq. "u") then
      current_state%u%data=current_state%u%data+current_state%ugal
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%u, &
           current_buffer_point, current_state%local_grid)
      current_state%u%data=current_state%u%data-current_state%ugal
    else if (field%name .eq. "u_nogal") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%u, current_buffer_point, &
           current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "zu") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%zu, current_buffer_point,&
           current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "v") then
      current_state%v%data=current_state%v%data+current_state%vgal
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%v, current_buffer_point, &
           current_state%local_grid)
      current_state%v%data=current_state%v%data-current_state%vgal
    else if (field%name .eq. "v_nogal") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%v, current_buffer_point, &
           current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "zv") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%zv, current_buffer_point,&
           current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "w") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%w, current_buffer_point, &
           current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "zw") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%zw, current_buffer_point,&
           current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "q") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_q_fields(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%q, current_state%number_q_fields, &
           current_buffer_point, current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "zq") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_q_fields(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%zq, current_state%number_q_fields, &
           current_buffer_point, current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "th") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%th, current_buffer_point,&
           current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "zth") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%zth, current_buffer_point,&
           current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "p") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_state%p, current_buffer_point, &
           current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "sth_lw") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer,  &
            current_state%sth_lw, current_buffer_point, current_state%local_grid) 
    else if (field%name .eq. "sth_sw") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer,  &
            current_state%sth_sw, current_buffer_point, current_state%local_grid)
    else if (field%name .eq. "w_up") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%w_up)
    else if (field%name .eq. "w_dwn") then
      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, current_buffer_point, &
           real_array_1d=current_state%global_grid%configuration%vertical%w_dwn)
!!$    else if (field%name .eq. "sw_down_surf") then
!!$      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer,  &
!!$            current_state%sth_sw, current_buffer_point, current_state%local_grid)
!!$    else if (field%name .eq. "lww_down_surf") then
!!$      pack_array_into_send_buffer=pack_prognostic_flow_field(data_definition%send_buffer,  &
!!$            current_state%sth_sw, current_buffer_point, current_state%local_grid)  
    else
       ! Handle component field here
       pack_array_into_send_buffer=handle_component_field_array_packing_into_send_buffer(current_state, &
            data_definition, field, current_buffer_point)
    end if
  end function pack_array_into_send_buffer
 
  integer function handle_component_field_array_packing_into_send_buffer(current_state, data_definition, &
       field, current_buffer_point)
    type(model_state_type), target, intent(inout) :: current_state
    type(io_configuration_data_definition_type), intent(inout) :: data_definition
    type(io_configuration_field_type), intent(in) :: field
    integer, intent(in) :: current_buffer_point
 
    type(component_field_information_type) :: field_descriptor
    type(component_field_value_type) :: published_value
 
    field_descriptor=get_component_field_descriptor(field%name)
    published_value=get_component_field_value(current_state, field%name)
    if (field_descriptor%data_type == component_double_data_type) then
      if (field_descriptor%number_dimensions == 1) then
        handle_component_field_array_packing_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, &
             current_buffer_point, real_array_1d=published_value%real_1d_array)
        deallocate(published_value%real_1d_array)
      else if (field_descriptor%number_dimensions == 2) then
        handle_component_field_array_packing_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, &
             current_buffer_point, real_array_2d=published_value%real_2d_array)
        deallocate(published_value%real_2d_array)
      else if (field_descriptor%number_dimensions == 3) then
        handle_component_field_array_packing_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, &
             current_buffer_point, real_array_3d=published_value%real_3d_array)
        deallocate(published_value%real_3d_array)
      else if (field_descriptor%number_dimensions == 4) then
        handle_component_field_array_packing_into_send_buffer=pack_array_field(data_definition%send_buffer, &
             current_buffer_point, real_array_4d=published_value%real_4d_array)
        deallocate(published_value%real_4d_array)
      end if
    end if
  end function handle_component_field_array_packing_into_send_buffer
 
  integer function pack_prognostic_flow_field(buffer, prognostic, start_offset, local_grid)
    character, dimension(:), allocatable, intent(inout) :: buffer
    type(prognostic_field_type), intent(inout) :: prognostic
    integer, intent(in) :: start_offset
    type(local_grid_type), intent(inout) :: local_grid    
 
    integer :: target_end
 
    target_end=start_offset + (local_grid%size(z_index)*local_grid%size(y_index)*local_grid%size(x_index)*kind(prognostic%data)-1)
 
    buffer(start_offset : target_end) = transfer(prognostic%data(&
         local_grid%local_domain_start_index(z_index): local_grid%local_domain_end_index(z_index),&
         local_grid%local_domain_start_index(y_index): local_grid%local_domain_end_index(y_index), &
         local_grid%local_domain_start_index(x_index): local_grid%local_domain_end_index(x_index)), &
         buffer(start_offset : target_end))
    pack_prognostic_flow_field=target_end+1
  end function pack_prognostic_flow_field  
 
  integer function pack_q_fields(buffer, q_fields, number_q_fields, start_offset, local_grid)
    character, dimension(:), allocatable, intent(inout) :: buffer
    type(prognostic_field_type), dimension(:), intent(inout) :: q_fields
    integer, intent(in) :: start_offset, number_q_fields
    type(local_grid_type), intent(inout) :: local_grid    
 
    integer :: target_end, i, current_starting_index
 
    current_starting_index=start_offset
 
    do i=1,number_q_fields
      target_end=current_starting_index + (local_grid%size(z_index)*local_grid%size(y_index)*&
           local_grid%size(x_index)*kind(q_fields(i)%data)-1)
      buffer(current_starting_index : target_end) = transfer(q_fields(i)%data(&
           local_grid%local_domain_start_index(z_index): local_grid%local_domain_end_index(z_index),&
           local_grid%local_domain_start_index(y_index): local_grid%local_domain_end_index(y_index), &
           local_grid%local_domain_start_index(x_index): local_grid%local_domain_end_index(x_index)), &
           buffer(current_starting_index : target_end))
      current_starting_index=target_end+1      
    end do
    pack_q_fields=target_end+1
  end function pack_q_fields   
end module iobridge_mod