6 ways supercomputers help prevent natural hazards from becoming disasters
By Aaron Dubrow
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For over a decade, the Texas Advanced Computing Center (known as TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin has served as a hub for natural hazard forecasting and response. The center helps scientists, decision-makers and first responders get the information they need in ways that can’t be accomplished without powerful computers and computer-savvy experts.
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Whether through simulation, modeling and visualization, or machine learning, geospatial analysis and resiliency planning, supercomputers are a critical tool for making sure natural hazards don’t become natural disasters.
Federal, state and institutional investments in centers like TACC and systems like Stampede2 help mitigate the risks to people and property from a range of perils, while also enabling the research community to upgrade its forecasting and preparation capabilities broadly.
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