These machines also will process data from Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) satellites, a series of six satellites launched in 2006 that will provide NOAA National Weather Service forecasters with better understanding of jet streams and related storm systems -- keys for the early prediction of storms like those that affected Denver and the Pacific Northwest in December and January.
"Better physics, better models, better data, and faster and more powerful supercomputing are the foundation for making better weather and climate forecasts," said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "NOAA's partnership with IBM is a great case study of the public and private sectors working together to save lives."
The supercomputers will harness 160 IBM System p575 servers, with 16 1.9 gigahertz Power5+ processors. The machines also will contain 160 terabytes of system storage DS4800 disk storage systems.
Photo courtesy of NOAA.