NSF NCAR Artificial Intelligence for Earth System Science

NSF NCAR advances Earth system science research by building shared artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities with and for the community. Our goal is to help researchers learn more from data, deepen their understanding of the Earth-Sun system, and support work with broad public relevance.

Our distinctive approach assesses AI models across multiple important criteria: ensuring they follow physical laws, are consistent with our scientific knowledge, capture realistic patterns, provide appropriate confidence levels, work reliably in real-world settings, and remain intelligible and dependable to the community that uses them.

We provide AI- and ML-ready data and computing resources, along with observations, Earth and Sun system models and tools, guidance on responsible use, and training for researchers and students to accelerate discovery and improve understanding of the Earth system. In addition, we provide extensive community support to enable adoption, collaboration, and shared scientific progress.

By centralizing these capabilities, we establish a community-driven hub and community of practice to support scientific exploration of Earth and Sun system processes and address real-world challenges that matter to society.

AI-Enabled Modeling and Tools

Advancing Earth system science through a collection of AI models and shared tools for the community.
 

AI-Ready Data and Research Cyberinfrastructure

AI-ready data for Earth system science research. Modernized computing and storage platform for scalable AI research.
 

Our Science Using AI

Learn about NSF NCAR’s scientific advancements utilizing a suite of AI tools. 

Benchmarking and Evaluation

Creating the standards and tools necessary for the transparent comparison, rigorous validation, and reproducible evaluation of Earth system models enhanced with AI.

Responsible and Reliable AI

Building ethical and rigorous AI for Earth system science—from data to discovery to decision-making. 

Community and Workforce Development

Supporting the people who build and use AI in Earth system science.

For more information or opportunities to get involved please contact: ncarai@ucar.edu