Building a U.S. Earth System Prediction Capability with NUOPC-based Models

The release of the National Unified Operational Prediction Capability (NUOPC)Layer in May 2013 marked a major step in coordinating across agencies to improve the capabilities of U.S. Earth system models. Led jointly by the Navy and NOAA and informed by a broad set of research partners, NUOPC developed a suite of four generic components based on the Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF). The generic components - model, driver, mediator/coupler and simple connector, can be rearranged, replicated, customized and reused to create a wide range of high performance, coupled modeling systems. The NUOPC architecture enables components to operate in many different modes, including component hierarchies and ensembles, and it supports implicit, semi-implicit and explicit component interactions. Within this framework, models can easily access ESMF grid remapping, timekeeping, and metadata toolkits. In general, the NUOPC/ESMF software does not replace existing model infrastructure, but wraps or interfaces with it. Several collaborative projects connect NUOPC with other frameworks and tools, and optimize the result for new computing architectures. An initial set of coupled NUOPC-based models was developed along with the NUOPC Layer, including versions of the Navy NavGEM and COAMPS models. Expansion of the NUOPC approach into the broader community began with a set of roadmaps funded through a variety of sources. These define NUOPC-based coupled systems involving the NOAA Environmental Modeling System, GFDL MOM5, HYCOM, NASA Model E, CESM, WRF, and other codes. To promote model access and collaboration, a new activity will define an Earth System Prediction Suite of NUOPC-compliant, documented, interoperable models as an ongoing resource for modelers. This talk will review NUOPC goals, software, activities, and achievements.