The Virtual Earth System Laboratory (VESL) is an online tool produced by NASA that gives access to detailed models of several Earth system processes, such as glacier evolution, ice sheet responses to climate change, and sea level rise.
The publicly available simulators allow users to tweak parameters in real scientific models – with calculations carried out on computers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory – to see the results.
The image above shows a screen from a simulation of the behaviour of the Columbia Glacier in Alaska in response to added snow. Red areas indicate an increase in glacier depth, while blues are decreases and yellow is neutral.
Originally published by Cosmos as A virtual glacier
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.