Our research
Weather forecasting is a well-established scientific practice serving society. Numerical climate prediction in contrast is in its infancy, but is potentially of equal societal importance: allowing society to better cope with climate fluctuations, reducing risks, optimising resource use, and guiding adaptation. The Bjerknes Climate Prediction Unit’s primary objective is to enhance climate prediction to the level where it benefits society, and thus facilitate the needed transition to operational prediction. We will focus on predicting climate in the Atlantic-to-Arctic sector and surrounding continents from a season to a decade and beyond.
To realize the full potential of climate prediction we must move beyond statistical approaches. However the development of skillful numerical climate prediction faces three major challenges:
- The mechanisms underlying prediction are incompletely understood and poorly represented in models.
- Data assimilation methods for combining model and observations must be adapted to the coupled climate system.
- The limits to climate prediction are largely unknown, delaying investment in operational systems.
The best possible climate prediction system for the Atlantic-Arctic sector can now be realized through a dedicated unit – the Bjerknes CPU – that provides the long-term perspective and resources required to meet these three key challenges. Find out more by navigating through our Research Activities below!
