China bypasses the US and builds the world’s first ocean “microscope,” a powerful tool for climate modeling and weather forecasting

Chinese scientists claim to have developed the world’s most advanced ocean simulation system, achieving an unprecedented resolution of 1 kilometer. This breakthrough sets a new benchmark in global ocean modeling and challenges the current semiconductor export restrictions imposed by the United States.

The new system, LICOMK++, was developed by research teams from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Computer Network Information Center. It offers highly precise modeling of ocean behavior and its interactions with climate systems. This innovation highlights China’s growing determination to achieve technological self-sufficiency in critical areas, especially in the face of strict US technology embargoes.

Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate, absorbing most of the excess heat and a significant portion of the carbon dioxide produced by human activities. Accurately modeling ocean dynamics at high resolution has long been challenging due to the immense computational demands. To overcome this, researchers developed new algorithms and optimized software performance, resulting in what they describe as the first global ocean model to reach a resolution of 1 kilometer.

LICOMK++ enables more detailed simulations of global ocean phenomena such as eddies, heat transport, and interactions with ocean currents. These elements are essential for understanding large-scale climate systems and improving predictions of extreme weather events. The system’s digital interface allows Chinese scientists to:

The simulator is also expected to advance climate research by providing more accurate data for forecasting and modeling. Analysts suggest it could support initiatives aimed at enhancing coastal resilience and informing responses to climate risks.