Ecological Model Web: New answers from networks of existing models
Gary
N
Geller, NASA/JPL, gary.n.geller@jpl.nasa.gov
(Presenting)
Rama
Nemani, NASA/Ames, ramakrishna.r.nemani@nasa.gov
Stefano
Nativi, National Research Council, Italy and University of Florence-Prato, nativi@imaa.cnr.it
The Model Web is a concept for a system of interoperable computer models and databases communicating primarily via web services. It would consist of an open-ended, distributed, multidisciplinary network of independent, interoperating models (plus related datasets and sensors). Like the World Wide Web it would grow organically, without central control, within a framework of broad goals and data exchange standards or guidelines. Models and datasets would be maintained and perhaps operated and served by a dynamic network of participants. This is not a completely new idea, but technology and models have advanced to the point where it is now possible to start creating this system of model systems. The result will be a model infrastructure that can be used for ecological forecasting, model experiments, and other activities.
Such a Model Web can not be planned and built, it must instead be encouraged, facilitated, and gradually converged upon. It will not happen quickly--perhaps 5-10 years, because adapting existing models requires significant effort, and barriers to interoperability can only be lowered gradually. As it gets started it will likely focus on specific areas such as species distribution modeling or carbon cycle, forming 'core' areas that can then grow and intermingle.
A demonstration system is underway that will exercise the concept and provide one of these cores. Regionalized climate scenarios will be provided by the NASA TOPS model and used by a GEOSS pilot system for species distribution modeling. Fire, phenology, and landscape models are being considered as expansion areas for the prototype system other suggestions are welcomed. A working group of interested, broad-thinking modelers is being assembled.
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