Structure
To achieve the objectives, SPECS is organized in two complementary ways:
- In a set of overarching research themes (RTs) containing one or more work packages (WPs) each that structure the main goals of the project
- In a number of cross-cutting themes (CCTs) offering a common protocol for efficient RT interaction
The main philosophy of SPECS is unique in that it addresses those objectives by integrating and testing the consolidated knowledge on climate modelling and impact assessment generated by other EU-funded, nationally- and internationally-sponsored projects and operational activities to optimise the project outcome and achieve a maximum impact.
Overall concept and interactions in SPECS; the table lists the six participating global dynamical forecast systems and the partners that will use them. The dynamical forecast systems referred to in the left column are described in Appendix 3. A climate forecast system takes existing forecast models used in either weather forecasting or climate modelling and adapts them to the climate forecasting problem (RT4), adds an initialization module to give initial conditions to the forecasts that includes an adequate ensemble generation system (RT3), includes a statistical model to generate reliable probabilistic forecasts that combines the different elements of an ensemble and information from different sources including statistical predictions (RT5) and comes along with a downscaling solution that can deal with a multi-forecast system ensemble source of data (RT5). A forecast system requires appropriate documentation and data dissemination that takes into account the periodic update of the forecasts (RT6). SPECS brings for the first time several of these elements together in a systematic way. The management, dissemination and coordination mechanism are ensured in WPs 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3
