A climate model solves mathematically formulated laws of nature on a three-dimensional grid. The climate model divides the earth system into components: atmosphere, ocean, sea ice, land with vegetation, etc. that interact through the transfer of energy, motion, and moisture. When the climate model also includes advanced interactive atmospheric chemistry and biogeochemical cycles, such as the carbon cycle, it is called an earth system model (ESM).
The Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM) has been developed since 2007 and has been an important tool for Norwegian climate researchers in the study of past, present, and future climates. NorESM has also contributed climate simulations that have been used in research assessed in the IPCC's fifth and sixth main reports.
The project Infrastructure for Norwegian Earth System Modeling (INES) supports the further development of NorESM. It will contribute to Norwegian researchers also in the years ahead having access to a cutting-edge earth system model. Technical support is provided for using a more refined grid, the ability for climate prediction up to 10 years in advance, the inclusion of new processes at high latitudes, and the ability of long-term projection of sea level.
Climate simulations with NorESM are performed on some of the most powerful supercomputers in Norway and INES contributes to these exotic computers being utilized in the best possible way and that the large amounts of data produced are efficiently stored and used. The project ensures that researchers can use the model tool in an efficient way, analyze results and make the results available.
