Numerical solution of the primitive equations on the connection machine

"Since the late 1960's, the hydrostatic primitive equations have been the basis for operational Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP). These equations describe the time rate of change of the three dimensional atmospheric state variables: wind, temperature, moisture and pressure. Numerical time integration, from a set of initial conditions, for a period of 2 to 10 days provides guidance that has become indispensable to the operational forecaster. These numerical solutions require significant computer resources and operational weather centers have sought out the most advanced digital computers available. The most advanced systems, however, are often saturated shortly after installation as the NWP models increase in resolution and sophistication. The nature of the problem is such that a doubling of the spacial resolution, in 3 dimensions, increases the CPU requirements by a factor of 16 and the memory requirements by a factor of 8. The demand for increased memory and computational speed will most likely continue into the foreseeable future as modelers strive for increased accuracy through better spacial resolution and greater sophistication in the representation of physical processes"--Introduction, paragraph 1. James J. Tuccillo. "This is an unreviewed manuscript, primarily intended for informal exchange of information among NMC staff members." "December 29, 1988." System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Includes bibliographical references. 1988 NWS (National Weather Service) NCEP (National Centers for Environmental Prediction) Library Public Domain 2285