NOAA and Microsoft Announce Cloud Computing Collaboration to Advance Climate-Ready Nation Mission

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Microsoft have entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), formalizing NOAA’s commitment to using Microsoft Azure cloud computing resources in the pursuit of NOAA’s mission to build a Climate[1]Ready Nation by 2030. Several initiatives are envisioned whereby NOAA scientists and engineers will work with Microsoft experts to leverage Azure’s machine learning and HPC capabilities:
▪ Fast-tracking innovative contributions to NOAA Earth Prediction Innovation Center (EPIC) earth systems modeling and research
▪ Applying machine learning capabilities to improve models supporting air quality, smoke, and particulate pollution forecasts, as well as relevant NOAA climate models
▪ Accelerating NOAA Fisheries’ survey and observations data collection and management
▪ Creating new ocean observations cataloging efforts
▪ Designing resilient and accessible weather modeling and forecasting that can incorporate external data sources with NOAA enterprise data