A European climate computing facility
Though still controversial, evidence for changes in the Earth's climate induced by anthropogenic activities is growing. Now more than ever, accurate modelling of the Earth's climate system is imperative. Modelling such a complex system, which involves non-linear feedbacks between the atmosphere, the biosphere and the Earth's oceans, is a challenging task. Furthermore, while weather prediction models forecast several days ahead, climate models are called upon to forecast several decades and even centuries ahead. State-of-the-art computing facilities are therefore necessary in order to develop, run and analyse results from these models. The European Commission has gathered its best climate scientists in the framework of a number of funded research projects. Combining and exploiting this expertise has led to important results. In order to take climate modelling in Europe to the next level, the call has been made by researchers involved in the FP5 project PRISM (PRogramme for Integrated earth System Modelling) to establish a European climate computing facility. This echoes a similar appeal made during the Euroclivar project in FP4. The PRISM consortium, led by the Max-Planck-Institute for Meteorology in Germany, defined the technical specifications for such a facility, addressing data storage, application of GRID technology and other aspects. Scientific and support staff requirements were also identified as well as potential sites for the facility. More information, including a draft brochure describing the rational for a European climate computing facility, can be found online at: http://www.enes.org(opens in new window).
