Using parallel computers in environmental modelling: a working example

Abstract An application of the utilization of parallel supercomputers for a 3D eutrophication-diffusion macromodel of the Venice lagoon is presented. Problems encountered in program restructuration, in the choice and in the introduction of parallel algorithms for solving the diffusion equation are discussed, together with the approach used to exploit multitasking performances. Results obtained show that, through appropriate coding, execution times for a full year simulation of the model, involving the diffusion and the trophic interactions of eight state variables, with a time step of one hour, have been decreased by about an order of magnitude.

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