diff --git a/compass/ocean/tests/global_ocean/init/namelist.init b/compass/ocean/tests/global_ocean/init/namelist.init
index 17bf5ddcbc..9c3ae08c1e 100644
--- a/compass/ocean/tests/global_ocean/init/namelist.init
+++ b/compass/ocean/tests/global_ocean/init/namelist.init
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ config_vert_levels = -1
 config_ocean_run_mode = 'init'
 config_write_cull_cell_mask = .false.
 config_eos_type = 'jm'
-config_expand_sphere = .true.
+config_expand_sphere = .false.
 config_realistic_coriolis_parameter = .true.
 config_alter_ICs_for_pcs = .true.
 config_pc_alteration_type = 'partial_cell'