Earth system models (ESMs) are becoming increasingly complex, requiring extensive knowledge and experience to deploy and use in an efficient manner. They run on high-performance architectures that are significantly different from the everyday environments that scientists use to pre- and post-process results (i.e., MATLAB, Python). This results in models that are hard to use for non-specialists and are increasingly specific in their application. It also makes them relatively inaccessible to the wider science community, not to mention to the general public. Here, we present a new software/model paradigm that attempts to bridge the gap between the science community and the complexity of ESMs by developing a new JavaScript application program interface (API) for the Ice Sheet System Model (ISSM). The aforementioned API allows cryosphere scientists to run ISSM on the client side of a web page within the JavaScript environment. When combined with a web server running ISSM (using a Python API), it enables the serving of ISSM computations in an easy and straightforward way. The deep integration and similarities between all the APIs in ISSM (MATLAB, Python, and now JavaScript) significantly shortens and simplifies the turnaround of state-of-the-art science runs and their use by the larger community. We demonstrate our approach via a new Virtual Earth System Laboratory (VESL) website (http://vesl.jpl.nasa.gov, VESL(2017)).

JavaScript compilation using ISSM is only supported on a subset of platforms.The port has been achieved on MacOSX platforms using the Emscripten suite of compilers, available at http://kripken.github.io/emscriptensite.Here, we present the specific set of instructions regarding installation of ISSM with JavaScript support.They build on the instructions for installation of the regular ISSM package, which can be 5

Spatial and temporal variation of processes that determine ocean mixed-layer (ML) temperature (MLT) variability on the timescale of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) are examined in a heat-conserving ocean state estimate for years 1993-2011. We introduce a new metric for representing spatial variability of the relative importance of processes. In general, horizontal advection is most important at the Equator. Subsurface processes and surface heat flux are more important away from the Equator, with surface heat flux being the more dominant factor. Analyses at key sites are discussed in the context of local dynamics and literature. At 0 degrees, 80.5 degrees E, for MLT events > 2 standard deviations, ocean dynamics account for more than two thirds of the net tendency during cooling and warming phases. Zonal advection alone accounts for similar to 40% of the net tendency. Moderate events (1-2 standard deviations) show more differences between events, and some are dominated by surface heat flux. At 8 degrees S, 67 degrees E in the Seychelles-Chagos Thermocline Ridge (SCTR) area, surface heat flux accounts for similar to 70% of the tendency during strong cooling and warming phases; subsurface processes linked to ML depth (MLD) deepening (shoaling) during cooling (warming) account for similar to 30%. MLT is more sensitive to subsurface processes in the SCTR, due to the thin MLD, thin barrier layer and raised thermocline. Results for 8 degrees S, 67 degrees E support assertions by Vialard et al. (2008) not previously confirmed due to measurement error that prevented budget closure and the small number of events studied. The roles of MLD, barrier layer thickness, and thermocline depth on different timescales are examined.

The Indian Ocean cross-equatorial heat transport (CEHT) anomalies associated with the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) are analyzed using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System Reanalysis for the period 1979-2010. The magnitude of MJO-related CEHT anomalies, seasonal dependence, and interannual modulations are examined. The magnitude of composite MJO CEHT anomalies is similar to 30% (similar to 15%) of the amplitude of the seasonal climatology in winter (summer). Interannual modulation on average accounts for only similar to 10% of the total magnitude of intraseasonal variability of a given year. MJO CEHT is largely contributed by temperature flux anomalies in the upper similar to 140m, with notable compensation between two characteristic layers. The significance of MJO CEHT anomalies, the nonnegligible magnitude of residual CEHT accumulated from intraseasonal anomalies during specific years, and the vertical compensation of temperature flux anomalies that give rise to the CEHT, have implications to the potential importance of upper ocean thermodynamics in MJO evolution and regional climate.

Sea surface salinity (SSS) data from the Aquarius satellite are analyzed along with auxiliary data to investigate the SSS signature of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the equatorial Indian and Pacific Oceans, the effect of evaporation-minus-precipitation (E-P), the implication for the role of ocean dynamics, and the SSS influence on surface density and potential energy. MJO-related SSS changes are consistent with E-P forcing in the western Indian Ocean throughout the MJO cycle and in the central Indian Ocean during the wet phase of the MJO cycle. However, SSS changes cannot be explained by E-P in the central Indian Ocean during the dry phase and in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans throughout the MJO cycle, implying the importance of ocean dynamics. SSS has an overall larger contribution to MJO-related surface density and potential energy anomalies than SST. It partially offsets the SST effect in the western-to-central Indian Ocean and reinforces the SST effect in the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Ocean modeling and assimilation need to properly account for salinity effects in order to correctly represent mixed layer variability associated with the MJO. Our results also clarify some discrepancy in previous studies about the E-P effect on MJO-related SSS variations.Key PointsClarifies role of E-P on MJO-related salinity and implication for ocean dynamics Corrects misinterpretation in a recent study about the role of E-P on salinity Reveals the important effects of salinity in surface layer density and energy