Improving the Effectiveness of U.S. Climate Modeling

Information derived from climate modeling has become increasingly important in recent years. More and more we understand that climate variability and change impacts society and that dealing with climate-related disasters, conflicts, and opportunities requires the best possible information about the past, present, and future of the climate system. To this end, Improving the Effectiveness of U.S. Climate Modeling describes ways to improve the efficacy of the U.S. climate modeling enterprise, given the current needs and resources. It discusses enhanced and stable resources for modeling activities, focused and centralized operational activities, how to give researchers access to the best computing facilities, the creation of a common modeling and data infrastructure, and research studies on the socioeconomic aspects of climate and climate modeling.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive SummaryQuestioning the Effectiveness of U.S. Climate ModelingClimate Models, Observations, and Computer ArchitechturesState of U.S. Climate ModelingIncreased Societal Demands on U.S. ModelingResponding to Climate Modeling RequirementsImproving the Effectiveness of U.S. Climate ModelingA Vision for the FutureReferencesAppendix A: Steering Committee and Staff BiographiesAppendix B: Capacity of U.S. Climate Modeling to Support Climate Change Assessment ActivitiesAppendix C: Questionnaire Sent to Large and Intermediate Modeling CentersAppendix D: Questionnaire Sent to Small Modeling CentersAppendix E: Climate Modeling Survey: Summary ResponseAppendix F: Workshop AgendaAppendix G: Workshop ParticipantsAppendix H: Summary of Other Relevant ReportsAppendix I: Description of Different CodesAppendix J: AcronymsColor Plates