Departments

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Integrated Systems Analysis — by Manfred Stock — last modified Nov 05, 2006 12:51 PM

The Integrated Systems Analysis Department seeks to develop methods and concepts to integrate the research of the various disciplines at PIK and beyond. Since the investigation of Global Change involves many fields of the natural and social sciences, such an integration is crucial to learn about global environmental management options. Integrated Systems Analysis is concerned with questions relating to qualitative and quantitative knowledge, uncertainties, scale issues and management needs.

Climate System — by Stefan Rahmstorf — last modified Dec 30, 2005 12:04 PM

The Climate System Department investigates the complex behaviour of past, present-day and future climate. Understanding the interaction between the various components of the climate system is the key to a comprehensive Earth-system analysis. The work of the department focuses on climate analysis and scenarios, climate-system modelling and ocean modelling. The research in these areas includes: i) the statistical analysis of past and present-day climatic data as well as the construction of future climate scenarios; ii) integrated climate system analysis; and iii) the investigation of ocean currents, in particular the Atlantic thermohaline circulation.

Global Change & Natural Systems — by Wolfgang Cramer — last modified Dec 30, 2005 12:05 PM

The planet's land surface is covered by a fine-scaled pattern of ecosystems and water bodies. These are all sensitive to changes in the environment and human life depends on them. Our primary goal is to assess such changes, including their importance for human society, as well as feedbacks to the atmosphere.

Global Change & Social Systems — by Marian Leimbach — last modified Nov 05, 2006 12:51 PM

To act responsibly in view of global environmental change will require a socio-economic shift of historic proportions, a sustainability transition. The Department of Global Change and Social Systems investigates the possibilities for and obstacles to such a transition. Sustainable development will involve a whole array of specific transitions. We have formed four research platforms to investigate some of these in depth.

Data & Computation — by Rupert Klein — last modified Feb 26, 2007 01:23 PM

The Department of Data & Computation manages the institute’s IT-Infrastructure, and maintains its high technological standards. It is responsible for Scientific Data Management, and it does research in the field of Scientific Computing.