Progress and Prospects of the Earth System Numerical Simulation Facility (EarthLab)

The Earth System Numerical Simulation Facility, also known as EarthLab, is a national-class key scientific and technological infrastructure project in China during the Twelfth Five-Year Plan period. The project was officially completed in Huairou Comprehensive National Science Center in October 2022. The objectives of the project are: 1) to explore the physical, chemical and biological processes of the atmosphere, as well as the hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere and biosphere on Earth’s surface, and their interactions, and probe the effects of those interactions on the overall Earth system and regional environment over China; 2) to merge simulated and observed data to improve the accuracy of climate and environmental predictions, thereby providing scientific support for national efforts in disaster prevention and mitigation, addressing climate change, and improving atmospheric environmental governance; and 3) to promote interdisciplinary integration among various branches of Earth system science and propel China’s all-embracing advancements in this field to an internationally renowned level. This article will review the international development trends of Earth system numerical simulation facilities, and particularly introduce the composition and functions, the main achievements and future plans of China’s “Earth System Numerical Simulation Facility”.