4th ERCIM Environmental Modelling Group Workshop
by Thomas Lux
The fourth workshop of the ERCIM Environmental Modelling Group
on Environmental Models and Computational Methods was held in
Heraklion, Crete, Greece on 16-17 November 1998. The workshop
was hosted by IACM FORTH, the Institute of Applied and Computational
Mathematics of the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas
under the chairmanship of Nikolaos A. Kampanis (IACM FORTH).
The lectures and discussions at the workshop focussed especially
on advancing the dialog among researchers working in the field
of environmental modelling on the issue of computational methods.
Modern high-performance computers provide a powerful base for
improving existing and developing new computational techniques
for the efficient solution of complex models used for the numerical
simulation of various environmental processes. Further, discussions
has been initiated on the efficiency and accuracy of current environmental
models, as well as possible improvements concerning the degree
that physical phenomena are interpreted through the governing
equations. This may be accomplished by exploiting, through the
exchange of experience among the participants, the robustness,
efficiency and range of applicability of modern computational
methods.
Lectures presenting recent results of experimental methods for
the analysis of atmospheric dynamics, the modelling and simulation
of coastal water pollution, and the investigation of aquatic ecosystems
have considerably enlarged the field of environmental domains
studied within the frame of the working group.
A special item of the workshop program was a round table discussion
about the further activities of the ERCIM Working Group Environmental
Modelling. Possible places and dates of the next workshop have
been raised. Moreover, topics for future joint project proposals
within the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Union have
been presented. The program was wound up by a common dinner in
a typical Crete restaurant.
Please contact:
Achim Sydow, Working Group Chairman or Thomas Lux - GMD
Tel: +49 30 6392 1820
E-mail: lux@first.gmd.de
