Getting Started
Ways to get into PRISM...
The PRISM CD
You can learn about PRISM by running demonstration software that can be installed from the PRISM CD. Users with an account on a PRISM site may also update/get the PRISM software from the central PRISM repository.
The CD contains the PRISM "toy models" that demonstrate the mechanics of coupling without actually simulating climate scenarios. However, it is possible to replace these models by downloading more complex climate models from the repository. Such models are ready to be compiled and run on a PRISM site. There are already installations of some complex coupled climate models at different PRISM sites, which may be readily used. A PRISM site is a platform on which the Unix shell scripts for compiling and running models in the Standard Compile and Running Environments (SCE and SRE) are preinstalled. On some sites the full system is installed including the Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs).
Furthermore, the CD exposes a number of well-defined interfaces in all aspects of the infrastructure to facilitate the running of a PRISM model at a new computing site or the integration of a new model at an existing PRISM site. The modular design of the PRISM software allows rapid adaptation to a variety of computing platforms. Guidelines are provided for the adaptation of existing models to all PRISM interfaces.
The different modules such as the OASIS Coupler have been successfully compiled and are running on a number of platforms. The example/compile options on the CD are found in the directory .../repository/toyclim/[compile|running]/frames/...
The CD is designed to run on a Linux PC and has been tested successfully with Portland compilers and Suse 9.1/Intel p4. Note that the CD is supplied as is. Given the complexity of the full software contained on the CD, it requires a reasonable knowledge of Linux and installing software from the user, a good Fortran compiler and a Linux distribution with auxiliary build tools (such as gmake, makedepend) already installed.
 |
Other ways
More detailed information about other ways of getting started with PRISM will be provided here soon.
Support
Building your own site is a major task which needs coordination with the experts of the PRISM team. If you are interested, or have any questions or problems, please get in touch by emailing us at prism_help@enes.org