Improving the Capacity of U.S. Climate Modeling for Decisionmakers and End-Users
02:30 PM
Climate models allow scientists to understand the dynamics of the climate system and predict the effects of climate change by simulating the interactions of the earth's oceans, atmosphere, land, and ice. These models assist decisionmakers in developing strategies for adapting to the impacts of climate change.
This hearing will examine the current computing capacity to process models at the regional and local scales, the need for continuous observational data to support the models, and the basic science to support the improvement of the next generation of climate models to meet the needs of decisionmakers. The hearing will focus on developing applications, consumer expectations, and network operation.
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Minority Statement
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Ted Stevens
SenatorMinority Statement
Ted Stevens
I think everyone knows that Alaskans depend on timely, accurate climate information for decision making on a range of issues, the same with the rest of the country, including home construction, transportation, but we particularly need it for fisheries and resource management.
I support the research and development of climate models that provide this information to federal and state agencies, as well as local people who depend on it every day. I remain concerned, however, that regional climate models with site specific data may not be accurate enough for planning on the state and community levels.
It is essential that we have not only the best modeling capabilities, but also comprehensive climate data to use in the model simulations. Our nation should make it a priority to improve both climate modeling and access to the necessary supercomputing infrastructure.
Testimony
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Dr. Alexander E. (Sandy) MacDonald
Director, Earth System Research Laboratory, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric ResearchNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration -
Dr. James J. Hack
Director, National Center for Computational Sciences,Oak Ridge National LaboratoryDownload Testimony (115.64 KB) -
Dr. Daniel A. Reed
Scalable and Multicore Computing StrategistMicrosoftDownload Testimony (62.04 KB) -
Dr. Edward S. Sarachik
Co-Director, Center for Science in the Earth System, Professor Emeritus of Atmospheric Sciences, Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and OceanUniversity of WashingtonDownload Testimony (79.52 KB) -
Mr. Bruce K. Carlisle
Assistant DirectorMassachusetts Office of Coastal Zone ManagementDownload Testimony (3.14 MB) -
Dr. John Walsh
President’s Professor of Climate Change, Chief Scientist, International Arctic Research CenterUniversity of Alaska FairbanksDownload Testimony (97.25 KB)
