The Unified Forecast System (UFS) coupled model architecture is based on the Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF) and the National Unified Operational Prediction Capability (NUOPC) Interoperability Layer. ESMF and the NUOPC Layer provide a unified, standardized approach to implementing coupled models in the UFS, including a single Earth system driver used across applications, and a flexible approach to supporting different configurations of atmosphere, ocean, sea ice, wave, aerosol, and other model components. This talk will provide a technical overview of how ESMF/NUOPC are used in UFS applications and define key concepts important for UFS users, such as “NUOPC cap”, “Mediator,” and “Connector.” This talk will also provide an overview of capabilities provided by the multi-agency ESMF/NUOPC framework and its role in solving technical challenges in building modular, high-performance Earth system models.
