FACTS: A on-line resource for analyzing and visualizing climate model output

Don Murray

Tuesday, Feb 20, 2018, 2:00 pm
DSRC Room 2A-305


Abstract

Attribution and Predictability Assessments require a variety of observational and model output. Multi-model approaches and large ensembles are required to address the role of proper representation of physical processes in models and to study extreme events.​ ​

To that end, the PSL APA group runs sensitivity experiments using multiple climate models and collects model output from other groups doing similar work amassing over 50 terabytes of data. Navigating a large collection of model output like this can be daunting, so having tools to quickly search, analyze and visualize the output is important. The NOAA/ESRL/PSL Facility for Climate Assessments (FACTS)​ ​

was developed to address this need. FACTS allows users to quickly compare how models using the same forcings can simulate and detect extreme events as well as how different forcings using the same model (e.g. factual/counterfactual) respond to the forcings. Quick, preliminary visualizations can be created through FACTS and if further analysis and visualization is necessary, the raw data can be downloaded for that purpose. This download capability also facilitates collaboration and data sharing between groups. This talk will provide an overview of the FACTS capabilities and how they can be used in extreme event attribution.

Visitors

You must provide an accepted form of identification at the Visitor Center to obtain a vistor badge. Security personnel also inspect vehicles prior to entrance of the site. Please allow extra time for these procedures.

After receiving a badge, you must arrive at the DSRC Lobby at least 5 minutes before the seminar starts to meet your security escort. If you arrive after that time, you will not be allowed entry.

Foreign Nationals: Please email the seminar contact at least 48 hours prior to the seminar to provide additional information required for security purposes.

Seminar Contact: richard.lataitis@noaa.gov