The gap between simulation and understanding in climate modeling

Should we strive to construct climate models of lasting value? Or should we accept the inevitable obsolescence of our models as computer power increases? 1 The problem of creating truly convincing numerical simulations of our Earth's climate will remain a challenge for the next generation of climate scientists. Hopefully, the ever-increasing power of computers will make this task somewhat less frustrating than it is at present. But increasing com-putational power also raises issues as to how we would like to see climate modeling and the study of climate dynamics evolve in the 21st century. One of the key issues we will need to address is the widening gap between simulation and understanding. 1 The need for model hierarchies The complexity of the climate system presents a challenge to climate theory