High-level NOAA unified modeling overview

The emphasis of unified modeling is to establish a common framework for model interoperability and to more efficiently integrate systems across disciplinary boundaries. It should not be interpreted as development of a unitary modeling system. By pursuing a unified modeling approach, NOAA provides a business model where modeling costs and resources are minimized, critical mass for model development is more easily reached, and modeling community efforts can be leveraged effectively. This report identifies key elements of unified modeling and provides high-priority recommendations to adopt a unified modeling approach, from a broad disciplinary perspective, as a means to facilitate collaboration among a wide range of NOAA modelers and to promote modeling collaborations beyond NOAA. If implemented these recommended actions could significantly advance unified modeling within NOAA. [doi:10.7289/V5GB2248(https://doi.org/10.7289/V5GB2248)] prepared by NOAA Unified Modeling Task Force ; report authors: Jason Link (NMFS) and Hendrik Tolman (NWS), Eric Bayler (NESDIS), Chris Brown (NESDIS), Pat Burke (NOS), Jessie Carman (OAR), Scott Cross (NESDIS), John Dunne (OAR), Doug Lipton (NMFS), Annarita Mariotti (OAR), Rick Methot (NMFS), Ed Myers (NOS), Tim Schneider (NWS), Monica Grasso (PRSS), and Katie Robinson (OAR). "January 2017." Includes bibliographical references (Relevent documentation, page 16).