Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Earth systems are both extremely complex and have major influences on human health, safety, and economies. Visualization tools at HLRS make it possible to transform large-scale simulations into immersive, 3D experiences that make it much easer to understand models and predictions. By visualizing phenomena such as climate, weather, air pollution, earthquakes, and flood risks, decision makers and citizens gain perspectives that can raise awareness of and support decision making to reduce potential risks.

Two scientists observe a visualization of global weather in the HLRS CAVE.

Atmospheric simulation

Researchers at the University of Hohenheim have used HLRS’s supercomputers for global, high-resolution weather simulations. Visualizations of these simulations in the CAVE make them easier to understand.

Aerial view of simulation of air pollution over the city of Stuttgart.

Modeling air quality in Stuttgart

In the Open Forecast project, HLRS developed tools for integrating publicly available datasets of air quality measurements together with geodata and building information to help identify air pollution "hot spots."

Visualization in the HLRS CAVE of water near a coastal city.

Supporting preparedness planning for natural disasters

As part of the ChEESE project, HLRS investigated how visualization based on simulation data could help decision makers to understand how earthquakes, volcanoes, or tsunamis could potentially impact cities.