Modeling with the Semantic Web in the Geosciences
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Date
2006Author
Reitsma, Femke
Albrecht, Jochen
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Abstract
Earth system science deals with complex systems that pose many significant representation
challenges. As depicted in the classic Bretherton diagram of biospheric cycles (Figure 1), modeling
the earth system involves numerous interacting components, each of which can be further dissected
into sub-components that are studied by specialists in a wide range of disciplines.
From this description, problems of both model interoperability and the model simulator
interoperability already become evident. Given the complexity of the task and the number of research
groups and individuals involved, there exist a wide diversity of modeling approaches, such as models
based on differential equations or stochastic methods, that make not only the interoperation of model
specifications difficult but the intercomparison of the structure and results of similar models as well,
as is evident in the work undertaken by The Global Analysis, Integration and Modeling Task Force
(GAIM) (for an example see1). Similarly, in terms of simulator interoperability there is also a wide
range programming languages and software in which models are developed, making it difficult to
couple a FORTRAN model of thermohaline circulation with an ice sheet model in C++.