Quantum Computing for Weather and Climate Applications Workshop

Climate simulations involve computationally intensive models that demand vast processing power and sophisticated algorithms to capture the dynamic interactions within the Earth’s climate system. Constraints on power consumption and computational processing power limit the performance of climate and weather simulations using classical supercomputers. Quantum computing can revolutionize how we understand and predict climate and weather phenomena by leveraging its exponentially larger computational space, parallel processing, and efficient handling of large-scale optimization problems.

This workshop aims to bridge the knowledge gap between quantum computing and climate science fields, sparking innovation through shared insights and interdisciplinary strategies that could lead to the next-generation of climate models. The workshop will provide a platform for quantum computing specialists and atmospheric scientists to discuss potential approaches to complex climate problems, explore practical pathways for integrating quantum computing into existing climate research frameworks, and set a collaborative research agenda that drives both fields towards breakthroughs in understanding and mitigating climate change.

Objectives

• Provide an opportunity for atmospheric scientists, oceanographers, observationalists, computational scientists, and quantum physicists to interact, bridge conceptual gaps, and develop strategies to advance our fundamental understanding of quantum computing applications in weather and climate modeling.
• Discuss emerging quantum technologies and their applications in climate modeling, quantum sensing for weather and climate observations, and optimization in Earth sciences to identify key climate challenges and explore how quantum technologies could address them over the next decade.
• Identify pilot studies that best highlight how quantum technologies could improve specific climate or weather modeling frameworks or observing sensors, and define the pathway to achieve those improvements.
• Contribute to the implementation of the National Quantum Initiative.

Target Participants

The workshop will bring together experts from many disciplines: quantum physicists, computer scientists, mathematicians, atmospheric scientists, oceanographers, observationalists (e.g., in situ and satellite), data assimilation experts, and modelers. Ensuring effective communication among attendees will be tantamount to the workshop’s success. Attendees across career stages and identities are welcome to attend. Participants will be encouraged to participate in leadership roles such as facilitating workshop discussions.

Workshop Format

The 3-day workshop will feature plenary sessions with invited speakers and contributed talks introducing the challenges in weather and climate modeling posed by current computer hardware and quantum computing technologies. Poster sessions will foster active engagement and facilitate the exchange of current research. Breakout sessions will encourage participants to explore how future quantum computers could enhance modeling and observations.

Workshop discussion topics include:

• Results of modeling and preliminary studies of developing quantum algorithms for differential equation solvers, highlighting the challenges in simulation, modeling, and forecasting that can potentially be addressed by quantum computers
• Optimization and data assimilation applications for quantum algorithms
• Challenges in quantum computing and quantum sectors

Outcomes

The main outcome is the interaction of various observational, data assimilation, modeling, and quantum computing groups to provide input for new directions that will evolve quantum applications and develop pilot studies. Specific deliverables include:

• A workshop report that includes recommendations for key analyses to be performed by the community and provides value to the Quantum Information Science.
• Development of a Variations edition and BAMS meeting summary.

Scientific Organizing Committee

Reuben Demirdjian, Naval Research Laboratory (Co-chair)
Annarita Giani, GE Vernova (Co-chair)
Marlou Slot, CU Boulder
Aneesh Subramanian, CU Boulder
Swamit Tannu, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Felix Tennie, University of Oxford
Karl Thibault, University of Sherbrooke

Program Organizing Committee

Alyssa Cannistraci, US CLIVAR
Mike Patterson, US CLIVAR