# 37: Surf's Up

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2014-01-31
- Length: 50m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/mes-ep37-2-mp3

## Summary

Dr. Karen Shell, an atmospheric science professor at Oregon State University, discusses the challenges of modeling Earth's climate, explaining why averaging multiple models often yields better results than relying on a single one. She details specific feedback mechanisms like the ice-albedo effect and the complexities of cloud physics, noting that current models may underestimate warming due to albedo changes. The conversation also covers the distinction between weather and climate, the role of sensors in data collection, and how individuals can influence climate policy through consumer choices and political engagement.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up#t=6) Introduction and Dr. Karen Shell's Background
- [2:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up#t=127) Climate Modeling and Resolution Limits
- [7:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up#t=475) Model Feedbacks and the Ice-Albedo Effect
- [12:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up#t=737) Data Storage and Computational Constraints
- [14:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up#t=856) Sensors and Data Collection Methods
- [22:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up#t=1331) Weather vs. Climate and Forecasting Limits
- [26:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up#t=1599) Albedo Underestimation and Warming Concerns
- [32:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up#t=1959) Science Communication and Policy
- [40:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up#t=2453) Individual Action and Consumer Influence

## Topics

- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Oregon State University (company)
- NOAA (company)
- NASA (company)
- climateprediction.net (product)
- Nest (product)
- IPCC (company)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-01-31-37-surfs-up. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.