diff --git a/polaris/ocean/ocean.cfg b/polaris/ocean/ocean.cfg
index eadad4866..a09169fe8 100644
--- a/polaris/ocean/ocean.cfg
+++ b/polaris/ocean/ocean.cfg
@@ -20,3 +20,12 @@ max_cells_per_core = 2000
 
 # the number of iterations of ssh adjustment to perform
 iterations = 10
+
+# Options related to the vertical grid
+[vertical_grid]
+
+# The minimum number of vertical levels for multi-layer cases
+min_vert_levels = 1
+
+# Minimum thickness of each layer
+min_layer_thickness = 0