# Earth Simulator

> highly parallel vector supercomputer system for running global climate models

**Wikidata**: [Q1277662](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1277662)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Simulator)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/earth-simulator

## Summary
The Earth Simulator is a highly parallel vector supercomputer system developed by NEC and Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2002. It was designed specifically to run global climate models, achieving a peak performance of 40.96 teraflops and ranking as the world's fastest supercomputer from 2002 to 2004. It played a pivotal role in advancing climate science by enabling detailed simulations of Earth's climate systems.

## Key Facts
- **Developed by**: NEC and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
- **Inception**: 2002
- **Location**: Yokohama, Japan
- **Peak performance**: 40.96 teraflops (Rpeak)
- **Maximum sustained performance**: 35.86 teraflops (Rmax)
- **Processor cores**: 5,120 vector processors
- **Operating system**: SUPER-UX
- **Power consumption**: 3,200 kilowatts
- **Platform**: NEC SX
- **Primary use**: Running global climate models (general circulation models)
- **Replaced by**: Earth Simulator 2
- **Top 500 ranking**: #1 in June 2002, later rankings included #3 (2004), #4 (2005), #7 (2005), #10 (2006), #14 (2006), #20 (2007), #30 (2007), #50 (2008), and #74 (2008)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Earth Simulator used for?
A: The Earth Simulator was primarily used to run global climate models, simulating Earth's climate systems with high precision. Its advanced computing power enabled detailed climate predictions and research.

### Q: Who developed the Earth Simulator?
A: The Earth Simulator was developed by NEC in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

### Q: What was the peak performance of the Earth Simulator?
A: The Earth Simulator had a peak performance of 40.96 teraflops (Rpeak) and a maximum sustained performance of 35.86 teraflops (Rmax).

### Q: When was the Earth Simulator decommissioned?
A: The Earth Simulator was replaced by the Earth Simulator 2, but the exact decommissioning date is not specified in the source material.

### Q: What operating system did the Earth Simulator use?
A: The Earth Simulator ran on the SUPER-UX operating system.

## Why It Matters
The Earth Simulator was a groundbreaking supercomputer that significantly advanced climate science by enabling highly detailed simulations of Earth's climate systems. Its ability to process vast amounts of data and perform complex calculations revolutionized climate modeling, providing scientists with unprecedented insights into climate patterns and trends. The Earth Simulator's high performance and specialized design made it a critical tool for understanding climate change and its potential impacts. Its development and operation demonstrated the power of supercomputing in addressing global scientific challenges, influencing future advancements in computational science and climate research.

## Notable For
- **World's fastest supercomputer (2002–2004)**: Held the #1 ranking in the TOP500 list from June 2002 to June 2004.
- **Climate modeling**: Pioneered high-resolution global climate simulations, improving accuracy in climate predictions.
- **Advanced architecture**: Utilized a highly parallel vector supercomputer design, optimizing performance for climate modeling tasks.
- **Power consumption**: Consumed 3,200 kilowatts of power, reflecting its high computational demands.
- **Collaborative development**: Developed in partnership between NEC and JAXA, showcasing international cooperation in supercomputing.

## Body
### Overview
The Earth Simulator was a highly specialized supercomputer designed to simulate global climate models. Developed by NEC and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), it was completed in 2002 and located in Yokohama, Japan. The system featured 5,120 vector processor cores and achieved a peak performance of 40.96 teraflops, making it one of the most powerful computers of its time.

### Performance and Rankings
The Earth Simulator held the #1 position in the TOP500 list from June 2002 to June 2004. Subsequent rankings included #3 in November 2004, #4 in June 2005, #7 in November 2005, #10 in June 2006, #14 in November 2006, #20 in June 2007, #30 in November 2007, #50 in June 2008, and #74 in November 2008. Its maximum sustained performance was 35.86 teraflops, demonstrating its capability for high-performance computing.

### Technical Specifications
The Earth Simulator utilized the NEC SX platform and ran on the SUPER-UX operating system. It consumed 3,200 kilowatts of power and was designed to handle the computational demands of global climate modeling. The system's architecture was optimized for parallel processing, allowing it to efficiently simulate complex climate systems.

### Applications and Impact
The Earth Simulator's primary application was running global climate models, particularly general circulation models (GCMs). These simulations provided detailed insights into Earth's climate systems, contributing to advancements in climate science. The supercomputer's high-resolution simulations improved the accuracy of climate predictions and supported research into climate change and its potential impacts.

### Legacy and Replacement
The Earth Simulator was replaced by the Earth Simulator 2, which continued to advance climate modeling capabilities. While the exact decommissioning date of the original Earth Simulator is not specified, its legacy remains significant in the field of supercomputing and climate science. The system's development and operation demonstrated the potential of supercomputing in addressing complex scientific challenges.

## References

1. [TOP500](https://www.top500.org/system/167148)
2. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File