Trump Administration Withdraws Supercomputers from NCAR Weather Research Center
The Trump administration has initiated a significant change that will impact a crucial research facility. The supercomputing facility at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, is set to be transferred to an undisclosed third party. This decision follows a letter from the National Science Foundation (NSF) released on Thursday, signaling a broader effort to dismantle NCAR, which is highly regarded for its contributions to weather and climate research.
Impact of the Withdrawal
The supercomputing center plays a vital role in managing weather and climate research models. Approximately 1,500 researchers from over 500 universities rely on its capabilities. The research conducted here significantly enhances the accuracy of forecasts for extreme weather, aircraft turbulence, and other critical climate-related information.
Concerns Over Supercomputing Access
Transitioning the supercomputing facility away from NCAR may disrupt access to essential high-performance computing. This technology is crucial for simulating weather patterns and assessing new forecasting models, which are integral to public weather applications. Notably, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has utilized NCAR’s supercomputers to run and upgrade various models, including its next-generation “Modeling for Prediction Across Scales.”
Political Ramifications
This move has sparked concerns among some Colorado officials. They perceive it as part of a campaign by the White House against Democratic Governor Jared Polis. This campaign aims to pressure him into granting clemency to Tina Peters, a former election clerk convicted in a 2020 data breach related to election outcomes.
Statements from NCAR Leadership
Everette Joseph, director of NCAR, expressed his concern about losing control and access to the Wyoming supercomputer. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the transition timeline and the new management structure. Joseph assured staff that further details from the NSF would be sought to clarify the impact on the scientific community.
Future of Weather Research Infrastructure
The NSF recently requested proposals on how to reorganize NCAR and the national weather research network. While support for NCAR’s weather programs was indicated, the future of its climate research remains uncertain.
- The atmospheric sciences community is actively advocating for the preservation of NCAR’s current structure.
- Former NCAR director James Hurrell, along with other prominent figures, warned that dismantling NCAR could hinder NOAA’s weather modeling capabilities, which have seen a decline compared to international standards.
In summary, the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw supercomputers from the NCAR Weather Research Center raises significant concerns about the future of weather and climate research in the United States.
