Modeling climate with rigid bodies

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the challenges of modeling climate on an Earth-like planet using a 2D rigid-body physics engine derived from Box2DLite. The user seeks to incorporate parameters such as axis tilt, distance from the star, terrain maps, and atmospheric composition to create a visually believable climate simulation. Despite the existing physics engine, there is skepticism about its adequacy for climate modeling due to the complexity and numerous factors involved, often requiring supercomputers for accurate predictions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 2D rigid-body physics, specifically from Box2DLite.
  • Familiarity with climate modeling concepts, including axis tilt and atmospheric composition.
  • Basic knowledge of programming with 32-bit integers.
  • Experience with simulation animation techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research climate modeling techniques and frameworks suitable for simplified simulations.
  • Explore enhancements to Box2DLite for better integration with climate parameters.
  • Investigate tools for generating terrain maps and atmospheric simulations.
  • Learn about computational requirements for climate modeling and potential optimizations.
USEFUL FOR

Game developers, simulation engineers, and hobbyists interested in creating climate models or visual simulations of planetary environments.

dwnielsen
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Okay, please don't ask me why I would want to do the following; I'll try to explain..

I am writing a program and already have a module for computing 2D rigid-body and spring-mass (with only 32-bit integers, no less) which I've modified from Box2DLite.

Now, for my application, I would like to be able to generate an approximate climate on a somewhat Earthlike planet based on various parameters such as axis tilt, distance from star, minor/major radius of planet, terrain map, amount of water, composition of atmosphere, etc. In fact, it would be very nice if I could run this as an animated system, watching the weather change across a globe. This doesn't need to be accurate - just needs to look believable.

Would the physics engine I have be of good use somehow, or would I be much better off starting with another model? I'd much prefer to use my present program components to the best of their ability rather than add mass too my program. I'm no physicist - needing some direction. Should I just throw in the towel before I run too far down this rabbit hole?
 
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I'm not physicist either, but from what I hear, climate modeling remains very difficult to use in order to have guaranteed predictive capabilities. Also, I know supercomputers tend to be involved in climate modeling, and considering all the factors you're trying to work with, I would guess a lot of horsepower would be involved.
As for whether your program would be of use, I have to express doubt, considering how many professionals are currently working on such things, and considering (I would guess) that there are a hundred more factors missing from your model. I hope everything ends well.
 
 
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