POEM 1.0 - Potsdam Earth Model

The next generation Earth-system model at PIK
 

    Contact: Georg Feulner

      Introducing the Potsdam Earth Model (POEM)

      Please have a look at the POEM Brochure: The Potsdam Earth Model POEM

      Background

      The CLIMBER (CLIMate and BiosphERe) models are a family of Earth-system models of intermediate complexity (EMICs) developed at PIK (current versions CLIMBER-2, CLIMBER-3α). EMICs attempt to overcome the gap between simple and comprehensive models by using a lower spatial resolution than general circulation models and simplified governing equations, yet describing the relevant processes and feedbacks in the climate system. EMICs are computationally less expensive, which makes them ideal tools for studies in paleoclimate, anthropogenic climate change and model uncertainty analysis.

      To bridge the gap between traditional EMICs and the current generation of comprehensive models, a new Earth-system model called the Potsdam Earth Model (POEM) is developed. It features a state-of-the-art ocean general circulation model, a higher-resolution statistical-dynamical atmosphere with improved dynamics, and an improved land-surface scheme coupled to the dynamic vegetation model LPJmL. Coupling to the state-of-the-art ice-sheet model PISM-PIK is planned for the future. Except for its unique fast atmosphere module, the new Earth-system model is thus comparable in complexity to the latest generation of climate models.

      Scheme

      POEM Scheme Atmosphere Ocean Vegetation Ice sheets FMS

      Model components

      Atmosphere Atmosphere A new statistical-dynamical atmosphere model (called Aeolus 1.0) with improved dynamics and higher resolution has been developed at PIK for our Earth-system model.
      Ocean Ocean The ocean module is based on the general circulation model MOM5, the latest version of the Modular Ocean Model developed at NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL).
      Antarctica Ice sheets For specific scientific questions, we plan to include the ice-sheet model PISM-PIK for Greenland and Antarctica  into our Earth-system model.
      Vegetation Land surface and vegetation An improved land-surface model specifically designed for coupling with the dynamic vegetation model LPJmL has been developed.
      Coupler Coupling GFDL's Flexible Modelling System (FMS) is used to couple all Earth-system model components.

      Team members and responsibilities