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 Contents Front Matter Executive Summary Questioning the Effectiveness of U.S. Climate Modeling Climate Models, Observations, and Computer Architechtures State of U.S. Climate Modeling Increased Societal Demands on U.S. Modeling Responding to Climate Modeling Requirements Improving the Effectiveness of U.S. Climate Modeling A Vision for the Future References Appendix A: Steering Committee and Staff Biographies Appendix B: Capacity of U.S. Climate Modeling to Support Climate Change Assessment Activities Appendix C: Questionnaire Sent to Large and Intermediate Modeling Centers Appendix D: Questionnaire Sent to Small Modeling Centers Appendix E: Climate Modeling Survey: Summary Response Appendix F: Workshop Agenda Appendix G: Workshop Participants Appendix H: Summary of Other Relevant Reports Appendix I: Description of Different Codes Appendix J: Acronyms Color Plates