1. Introduction to LFRic Atmosphere#
Modern weather and climate prediction requires models that can simulate processes across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, from local weather events over hours and days to global climate change over decades and centuries. These models must also be able to run efficiently on modern high-performance computing systems.
Momentum provides the wider modelling framework, while LFRic Atmosphere provides the atmospheric model component. Together, they provide a flexible and scalable foundation for next-generation Earth system modelling through collaboration between the Met Office, research institutions, universities, and international partners.
This module introduces the LFRic Atmosphere model and the Momentum Framework. You will learn about the principles of seamless modelling, how prediction systems are constructed from reusable scientific components, and the key features that distinguish LFRic Atmosphere from earlier modelling systems.
For learners who want more technical detail, the paper LFRic: Meeting the challenges of scalability and performance portability in Weather and Climate models gives an overview of the model infrastructure and its scalability goals.
Aims and objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Explain the motivation for developing LFRic Atmosphere and the Momentum Framework.
Describe the history and evolution of LFRic Atmosphere and its relationship to the Unified Model.
Summarise the principles of seamless modelling and explain why they are important for Earth system prediction.
Identify the major components of the Momentum Framework and describe how they work together to build prediction and projection systems.
Explain why land-atmosphere coupling matters and describe the role of JULES in LFRic Atmosphere configurations.
Describe the role of the ocean and sea-ice components in coupled Momentum configurations.