1. Evolution of GCMs and Super Mario
By Dr. Benjamin J. Maas
Buena Vista University
Department of Environmental Science

2. Global Climate Models
2. Run model based on boundary conditions and laws
1. Define boundary conditions, and grid size based on information and computer power
3. Compare real data with modeled data for errors
Modeling process in a ‘nutshell’
Model set up and quality control…as some of you know, steps three and four can spiral into an infinite loop.
4. Correct model and redefine conditions as needed

3. Evolution of GCMs… More boxes (i.e. pixels) Clearer picture
Meehl et al., 2007

4. …similarities to Super Mario?
…similarities to Super Mario?
Break into groups and discuss (2 - 4 minutes)
Move on to next slide for prompts.

5. Similarities of Early GCMs and Super Mario…
Abilities?
Errors?
Limitations?
Movements?
Looking graphics, abilities, game-play options, errors
The reason for the changes are computing power.
Only so many things could be done at once

6. Do more grids = a better model/game?
I either lead a discussion or allow them to talk for a few minutes (…it depends on the class)
A few years down the road…but is the a better game?
If so, who decides that this version is better?
Do more grids = a better model/game?
Does a better Computer = a better model?
What are the improvements?
Any limitations?
Super Mario Bros. 3 Released 1990

7. Large improvements in the 2000’s
Are there still limitations?
Are there still errors?
Are GCMs now 3-D?
How have GCMs and Mario changed?
Students usually offer stories about glitches and other technical issues.

8. Clouds and aerosols included in IPCC models in 2013 for the first time
Boucher et al. (2013)
Clouds and aerosols included in IPCC models in 2013 for the first time
Basic cloud features (i.e. white vs. gray)

9. Take away message: Super Mario and GCMs have improved with time…
Need to identify what needs to be done and the next steps as technology improves
Take away message: Super Mario and GCMs have improved with time…
…and will continue to do so

10. For NAGT and EER Folks
Open access text on better understanding climate models
-modeling-101-explanations-without-equations
Avoids the use of math
Introductory text for undergraduates and graduate students
Helps answer ‘How do scientists know if a climate model is any good?’

11. References
Boucher, O., Randall, D., Artaxo, P., Bretherton, C., Feingold, G., Forster, P., Kerminen, V.-M., Kondo, Y., Liao, H., Lohmann, U., Rasch, P., Satheesh, S.K., Sherwood, S., Stevens, B., and Zhang, X.Y., 2013: clouds and Aerosols. In: Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Stocker, T.F., Qin, D., Plattner, G.-K., Tignor, M., Allen, S.K., Boschung, J., Nauels, A., Xia, Y., Bex, V., and Midgley, P.M. (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.
Climate Modeling (2015, September 8). Retrieved from
Kohler, C. (2010, May 21) . Review: Brilliant Super Mario Galaxy 2 Is Full of Surprises. Retrieved from eshttp:// review/
Meehl, G.A., et al Global climate projections. In Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M. Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds.)] Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, and New York, NY, USA.
Purestylin (133). (2009, May 21). Super Mario Bros. 3 Screenshots (NES), Retrieved July 15, 2016 from 3/screenshots/gameShotId,370242/
Super Mario Bros. (n.d.) Retrieved July 15, 2016 from the Super Mario Bros. Wiki:
Team ISA. The Evolution of Super Mario Bros!. (n.d.) Retrieved July 15, 2016 from
Understanding Climate Change. (2016). Retrieved from
Video Game History: Character Graphics Development. (2012). Retrieved from game-history/history-progression/history-timelines-timelines