Challenges and opportunities for a hybrid modelling approach to earth system science

Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in the fields of Machine learning (ML) and Deep learning (DL) have become important tools for the scientific community in general. By coupling traditional modelling and simulation with the new AI approaches in a hybrid fashion we can advance our current science in leaps and bounds. In the field of Earth System Science (ESS) this is particularly so and, although the technology is still somewhat nascent, the opportunities and potential benefits are enormous. Furthermore, this mixed approach offers a pathway to solving the extremely demanding future science goals in this space that cannot be solved through computing capability alone. This paper examines the state of the art in the application of HPC + AI to the domain of ESS, identifying several important application areas and techniques for hybrid modelling. We also look at the challenges that currently limit widespread adoption of hybrid modelling and delve into potential solutions to those limitations.