 |
Why we need supercomputers? |
 |
1. Complexity of the earth system
 |
Schematic illustration of the most important components of the climate system. The more of these processes are considered in a climate model the more accurate becomes the result. |
Climate modelling so far concentrated mainly on the interaction of physical components and their coupling, such as fluid dynamics, radiation balance, latent and sensitive heat exchange or wind effects on the ocean. The employment of modern supercomputers, however, permits to integrate also chemical and biological coupling mechanism as well as to investigate the interaction between the climate and the socio-economic system. The ultimate ambition of the international climate and global change research is the development of a complex model of the earth system comprehending all physical and biogeochemical interactions between the atmosphere, the ocean, the cryosphere and the continental biosphere as well as social issues.
 |
The development of climatic models over the
last 25 years showing how the different components are first developed separately and
later coupled into comprehensive climate models (IPCC WG1, 2001) |