Supercomputing, artificial intelligence and ocean models to challenge climate change

The aim is to tackle thechallenge of climate change with increasingly accurate and precise multi-decade forecasts. And then a new frontier of high spatial resolution ocean models, digital twins of the earth and marine system, artificial intelligence and supercomputing. This is the goal of the Moirai project, in which Italy is participating with researchers from ENEA and 14 European partners, including the National Technical University of Athens as coordinator, and which aims to "understand" ocean dynamics and climatic and environmental phenomena

The complex research and study work involves the realisation of applications ranging from seasonal forecasts to multi-decade climate projections based on different emission scenarios, 'with the aim of improving understanding of ocean processes and supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies'.

In the course of the work programme, the resolution of models that already exist and are used for sea state forecasting will also be refined. A focus will be devoted to the Mediterranean and Black Sea in order to "describe with greater precision the exchanges between basins, the dynamics of coastal zones, and the interaction with complex seabeds". "With a multidisciplinary approach and a long-term vision," points out Roberto Iacono, project manager for ENEA, "Moirai is positioned as a pillar of the European response to climate risks and represents a new frontier in regional and coastal climate modelling".

Along the way, 'to ensure replicable scientific solutions and support climate policies in all European coastal regions', the Reasshore platform will also be created to integrate existing and future digital infrastructures. The task of the Italian researchers will also be to provide support for the scientific coordination and monitoring of the project activities, as well as the analysis of simulation results and the improvement of modelling performance.

For Gianmaria Sannino, climatologist and Head of the Division of Models, Observations and Scenarios for Climate Change and Air Quality, "ENEA's participation in the project represents a strategic opportunity to exploit the expertise in oceanographic modelling developed within our Climate Models and Services Laboratory, while also guaranteeing the continuity of a consolidated line of research, supported by funding from the MISE-Enea Programme Agreement for Research on Electricity Systems, as well as numerous European projects and national initiatives linked to the NRRP".