Riparian Paper Proposal

Tony Waldschmidt 10/24/07

Riparian Project Paper Proposal
Proposed Topic: The focus of this paper will center around the riparian research project we have been conducting over the past year in conjunction with Professors Brown and Schade. Specifically this project attempted to utilize the newly available computing power to test under what conditions riparian zones fail under high nitrogen loads. In order to provide the framework to understand Professor Schade's research, this paper will begin by introducing the concept of riparian zones and explaining the basics of nitrogen flow in these regions. This background information will be followed by a description of Professor Schade's model and initial findings with a single processor. In this context, the need for an in-depth and expanded parameter analysis will be presented and examined. The next section of the paper will focus on the actual process of moving from John's existing model to the cluster. This should include an examination of the general process of parallelizing scientific problems as well as some of the details specific both to our clusters and to this project. If time allows, I will proceed to present the results of various runs on the cluster and discuss the methodology for analyzing these results using PERL scripts. Once these sections specific to my project have been thoroughly explored and discussed, I will devote part of the paper to discussing the ramifications of this project in terms of other applications. This will include lessons to be learned from my experience as well as insights into future approaches to cluster usage. 

Abstract Introduction: Biology of riparian zones define riparian zones explain nitrogen flow diagram 

Description of Schade's model and findings constant model vs. response models 5 year vs. steady state time types</li> Schade's discovered collapse of functionality</li> Model Complications</li></ol> </li>

Implementing on the cluster General procedure of parallelization</li> MPI</li> Helios specifics</li></ol> </li>

Conclusion: Future Directions</li> Appendix : Code</li> </ol>