Objectives of GCEP

Scientific Objectives

• To improve understanding of the factors within the initial conditions (ocean, ice, and land) affecting predictability of the coupled climate system on timescales from seasonal to decadal.
• To develop new assimilation algorithms to give better initial conditions for coupled models, considering the types of ocean, ice and land surface data available.
• To investigate methodologies for generating climate prediction ensembles and to evaluate the skill of these predictions.
• To collaborate closely with the MetOffice and Hadley Centre to improve and test understanding of coupled model predictions.

eScience Objectives

• Managing shared grid resources across three participating NERC centres and the National Grid Service in order to get sufficient throughput for for the ensemble predictions.
• Use innovative methods such as a central spatially enabled database rather than files and data streaming between processors for managing the distributed analysis of the ensemble results.
• Develop workflow tools for the analysis of ensemble model data sets and, as practical, incorporate into the Climate Data Analysis Toolbox (CDAT).

I think I understand the scientific objectives, but the techno speak of the eScience objectives are not as clear. What is a spatially enabled database? What is a workflow tool? -- LeonHermanson - 11 May 2006