University of Oregon wants to use your computer to solve climate issues

[Lazy8s]

I could see a few users being interested in this. Being able to view the simulations real-time is an added bonus I think.

By downloading and running climateprediction.net’s BOINC client software, you can personally aid researchers in comparing past weather, and the atmospheric factors of years past, with those of the present, according to OregonLive.com.

After its installation, the software will automatically set itself to run in the background as your computer stands idle. As you return to computer use, the program will be suspended for later resumption. Depending on the frequency of your computer use, the program could potentially complete its processes in a few days.
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With the appropriate graphics setting enabled, the program will permit users to view the simulation in real-time and will immediately deliver a summary of the results. To be clear, the simulation will be running climate models on the computers of those using the software, comparing thousands of different winter seasons in the western United States.

Source: Digital Trends

[ShaidarHaran]

I could see a few users being interested in this. Being able to view the simulations real-time is an added bonus I think.



Source: Digital Trends

Wait. This hasn't even been done yet but the term "climate change model" gets used to death?

[DeathKnight]

It's not enough that they use your tax money. Now they want to steal your MHz to play their computer games.

[bittermann]

Better than looking for mr seti.

I might look into helping.

[Lazy8s]

Better than looking for mr seti.

I might look into helping.

If I keep my desktop I'm going to give it a whirl.

[swingline]

Wait. This hasn't even been done yet but the term "climate change model" gets used to death?

Your big takeaway after reading the article is that climate change models have never been ran before?

[ShaidarHaran]

Your big takeaway after reading the article is that climate change models have never been ran before?

I question that they have been due to the fact that they are all horribly inaccurate in their predictions. Where are the melted ice caps and flooded coastal cities? My specific question was: have *computer models* been performed? Also, if they extensive computer analysis has been performed already, what's the point of this?

[Lazy8s]

I question that they have been due to the fact that they are all horribly inaccurate in their predictions. Where are the melted ice caps and flooded coastal cities? My specific question was: have *computer models* been performed? Also, if they extensive computer analysis has been performed already, what's the point of this?

Meteorology is still very much a developing science. Refining models and simulations can yield extremely useful information regarding both acute analysis as well as trends.

The "extensive computer analysis", as you worded it, that gives us a 100% complete picture of trending weather patterns as well as short term forecasts doesn't exist. So the University of Oregon is asking for volunteers to aid in the development of said models.

I don't see an issue here.

[ShaidarHaran]

Meteorology is still very much a developing science. Refining models and simulations can yield extremely useful information regarding both acute analysis as well as trends.

The "extensive computer analysis", as you worded it, that gives us a 100% complete picture of trending weather patterns as well as short term forecasts doesn't exist. So the University of Oregon is asking for volunteers to aid in the development of said models.

I don't see an issue here.

So we don't know enough about the climate and how it works. Why is "the science settled" then? Do you see the problem here? Lots of people don't buy the lines they're being fed because there are a lot of voices out there basically playing both sides of the fence.

[bittermann]

I question that they have been due to the fact that they are all horribly inaccurate in their predictions. Where are the melted ice caps and flooded coastal cities? My specific question was: have *computer models* been performed? Also, if they extensive computer analysis has been performed already, what's the point of this?

Maybe the point is to get a better working model/analysis? Are you saying technology can't advance?

[ShaidarHaran]

Maybe the point is to get a better working model/analysis? Are you saying technology can't advance?

People who claim to be experts are telling us there's no room for debate.

My point is, that's clearly not the case.

[bittermann]

People who claim to be experts are telling us there's no room for debate.

My point is, that's clearly not the case.

Debate about what?

[ShaidarHaran]

Debate about what?

Seriously?

[bittermann]

Seriously?

Yes, seriously. You mean climate change? Are you denying it?

There is global warming. That's a fact. There will always be global warming and or global cool down. That is a fact proven by science. The only thing up for discussion is how fast is it happening and are humans accelerating the change. The consensus is yes and better forecast models will help determine to what extent. Seems pretty straight forward.

[Lazy8s]

So we don't know enough about the climate and how it works. Why is "the science settled" then? Do you see the problem here? Lots of people don't buy the lines they're being fed because there are a lot of voices out there basically playing both sides of the fence.

Oh for sure. Whenever a powerful, agenda driven party is involved there's going to be problems. That's a given I think.

I see this as methodology vs results. Our methodology may be "settled" at the moment, but it can be improved.

Results? We (imo) won't fully nail those until the methodology is more reliable and verifiable.

All that said, what draws me personally to something like this is that the university folks are not claiming anything. They aren't claiming 100% reliable procedures and they aren't claiming results. They're simply asking for help developing them.

[Bigfoot]

I heartily suggest you all give this a whirl, it really does help (my group runs simulations on a similar setup, not climate change though).

CPU time is vital to simulations, and finding funding can be difficult. Programs like this are very accessible and allow simulations to be run which would otherwise languish (hard to find funding for theory, at least in my field).

You should see a program like this and not ask 'is climate change an issue', but rather 'is it worth exploring if climate change is an issue'. Because that is what they are doing.

Hint: it is worth exploring. And simulations are a direct method of doing that.

[bill dennison]

Meteorology is still very much a developing science. Refining models and simulations can yield extremely useful information regarding both acute analysis as well as trends.

The "extensive computer analysis", as you worded it, that gives us a 100% complete picture of trending weather patterns as well as short term forecasts doesn't exist. So the University of Oregon is asking for volunteers to aid in the development of said models.

I don't see an issue here.

yes developing

http://www.popcrunch.com/10-hottest-weather-girls-ever/

[Lazy8s]

yes developing

http://www.popcrunch.com/10-hottest-weather-girls-ever/

Well, they certainly know how to keep people interested.

[SteadVéx]

So we don't know enough about the climate and how it works. Why is "the science settled" then? Do you see the problem here? Lots of people don't buy the lines they're being fed because there are a lot of voices out there basically playing both sides of the fence.

nice signature...

anyways, sounds awesome to me, looking to download as we speak

just wondering, does virtual box play nice with Hyper-v? and does it hinder performance vs native client?