Earth System Modelling

The figure shows the surface vorticity from a global ICON simulation where land, atmosphere, ocean and bio-geochemistry is coupled with a horizontal grid resolution of 1.25km. The vorticity field shows the rich ocean dynamics that can be resolved once in such high-resolution simulations. | Figure: Nils Brüggemann with data from xSpies at MPI-M

Our group investigates new modeling techniques and strategies for understanding the climate system, with a particular focus on representing ocean turbulence in tropical coastal regions. To achieve this, we run high-resolution simulations that directly capture as much of the turbulence spectrum as possible. For turbulent processes that remain unresolved, we develop and implement novel parameterizations.

Within this modeling framework, we study how turbulent transports of heat, energy, and tracers influence local circulation, biogeochemical dynamics, ecological processes, and the dispersion of pollutants. Our simulations also provide key input data for other research activities within ZMT and TropEcS, helping to connect the physical system with biogeochemical, ecological, and socio-economic perspectives.

Ultimately, our research aims to provide relevant information for coastal protection measures and economic adaptation strategies to face the implications of climate change in tropical coastal areas.