Spring 1999, Vol. 20, No. 1

On the road again

SCD represents NCAR at scientific conferences . . .

Greg McArthur Contents SCDzine Search Article index Subscribe Contact us SCD

by Greg McArthur This past year, SCD has taken its "road show" to a number of scientific conferences to highlight important research and science underway at NCAR. The three major events were: SC98 (Supercomputing) (9-13 November 1998, Orlando, FL) American Geophysical Union (6-10 December 1998, San Francisco) American Meteorological Society (13-16 January 1999, San Antonio, TX) Why is SCD involved in these conferences, and what is the value to NCAR in our participation? As the principal provider of high-performance computing services for NCAR, SCD is uniquely positioned to present the work of NCAR scientists at these forums, which represent the major constituent of NCAR's scientific establishment: the earth systems/geosciences community. SCD knows the science well and can present it to a variety of informed audiences to enhance NCAR and SCD's reputation as a world-class national center. This has immeasurable significance for NCAR and the division. Appropriate forums The quality and nature of NCAR research is of such timely commerce (El Nino, global warming, etc.) that it needs to be appropriately highlighed and explained during these major annual meetings. As a division, SCD has always participated in the Supercomputing conference (since 1988, when former division director Bill Buzbee initiated the first one), because SCD has been and continues to be a major player in the world of high-performance computing, data storage, and networking. Several years ago, SCD began attending the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) conferences as an exhibitor to highlight work underway at NCAR across broad investigative fronts. Highlighting work on many fronts To fully represent this investigative work, we have added scientific visualization technology to the NCAR research exhibit. This technology has revolutionized the way NCAR scientists interact with and respond to their model output in these areas: Global warming Atmospheric chemistry transport models The coupled Climate System Model (CSM) Forest fire research Clear-air turbulence work Mesoscale cyclonic events The evolution of coral reefs Using true stereo 3D imaging of research data by means of our Visualization Theater, we demonstrate to these audiences the scope and breadth of research underway at NCAR -- doing so in a manner that is visually compelling and intellectually stimulating. In short, they love it -- and they remember it! The true value to NCAR This is the true value to NCAR: conference attendees take away a visual impression of the hard and important work being done at their National Center for Atmospheric Research. SCD is pleased and proud to have an opportunity to showcase some of the outstanding research that is making significant inroads in our understanding of earth's climate system.

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