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 on
Using Inquiry to Learn About Computer Modeling
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| We learned from
this work that inquiry is.....the process of studying a subject with the
intention of seeking the truth.
The inquiry that has fueled the work of GFDL
(Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory) in recent years can be stated as
the question: “Is humankind perturbing the atmosphere of the Earth in
a manner that could disrupt its life sustaining balance?”
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| Armed with meteorological data from the past few
centuries, GFDL has sought to answer this question by constructing a
detailed computer model of the Earth's atmosphere. At the onset of
the research, simple computer systems were used to create basic models of
the earth's atmosphere. The present
day models represent years of trial and error, quantum leaps in
technology, and a multitude of research in the area of global warming and
the greenhouse effect. |
| Concurrently,
inquiry has provided a constant source of rejuvenation for the
project by constantly exploring ways to improve existing
models. This is accomplished by using past climactic data with
present day models in order to evaluate their accuracy. One such
test was conducted when Mount Pinatubo erupted in June of 1991. GFDL created a model to interpolate the
atmospheric temperature disturbance created by the particulate material that was
suspended in the atmosphere. The model came remarkably close to the
actual recorded temperature. While it should be acknowledged that
this was a microcosmic event in the course of geologic time, it
demonstrates the sensitivity of the existing models. |
| During the process of gathering and analyzing
data, it is essential to collaborate with peers, the scientific
community, and different organizations. In this way data
correlations can be attributed to the appropriate variable. The
task sounds easier than it really is, fueling the fires of controversy.
Wading through different points of view and underlying agendas is
paramount to foster credibility in scientific research. |