Distributed Numerical Modelling Laboratory (DNML)
The main goal of this task is to bring together the numerical simulation efforts currently underway in Europe and to create a coordinated European multi-disciplinary modelling facility for Planetary Science: a Distributed Numerical Modelling Laboratory (DNML). This task will last from months 15 to 42 of the project, overlapping the ICPM&DAT task and then feeding into the catalogue part of SA IDIS. DNML will also carry out model inter-comparisons to validate existing models, and document agreements and differences arising from the various approaches used. DNML will foster as well a generic approach to modelling that allows for simulation of the behaviour of complex natural systems based on general mathematical techniques and algorithms, rather than by addressing each planetary object as a separate entity. The results of DNML modelling activities in key selected topics will be integrated into SA IDIS. DNML will concentrate the projects that both accord with agreed priorities in European Planetary Science and European Space Agency missions, and where the Europlanet RI community has the most developed modelling software tools, relevant research infrastructures, and the highest level of expertise, e.g.:
- Space weather: interactions of solar/stellar wind with planetary magnetospheres, atmospheres and surfaces. The working task here involves coupling several existing models that simulate different parts of a planetary magnetosphere-atmosphere-surface system whose inputs and outputs are currently not compatible, and for which dynamic feedback across the model interfaces is required.
- Mars in space & time: The Mars in space and time virtual model will give European planetary scientists access to a set of interconnected models that will simulate the physical and chemical conditions on Mars from its surface, through its atmosphere into space across a range of Martian epochs (past, present and future). The resulting Mars in Space and Time model will also be generated such that it could be applicable to other terrestrial-type planets, including moons such as Titan and Europa.
- Environment of airless bodies: Various models of the magnetospheres and exospheres of Mercury and the Moon will be coupled to the observed and simulated surface phenomena and the solar wind. This JRA will provide the first comprehensive models of these two planetary bodies, suitable for spacecraft data analysis.
- Cometary modelling: DNML will act as an initiator of activity to develop a European infrastructure in the field of cometary modeling prior to ESA?s current Rosetta Mission arriving at the Comet 67 P/Churyumov- Gerasimenko in 2015.
A further project from the list above may be carried out, dependent on the state of readiness of models as ascertained during the cataloguing process.
