Interview with Warren Wiscombe on scientific programing and his contributions to atmospheric science tool making

TL;DR

This interview with Warren Wiscombe explores his influential work in atmospheric science, radiative transfer, and scientific programming, highlighting successful tools, software development, and the role of open source in scientific progress.

Contribution

It provides insights into Wiscombe's contributions to atmospheric modeling tools and discusses the evolution of scientific programming in climate science.

Findings

Successful software like MIEV and DISORT explained

Role of open source in scientific reproducibility discussed

Impact of radiative transfer parameterizations on climate models

Abstract

On March 11, 2013 I talked with Warren Wiscombe about his contributions to scientific computer programming, atmospheric science and radiative transfer. Our conversation is divided into three parts related to light scattering, radiative transfer and his general thoughts about scientific programming. There are some reflections on how radiative transfer parameterizations gradually sneaked in to modern climate and atmospheric Global Circulation Models. Why some software programs such as light scattering code MIEV and DISORT are very successful and why some of them fizzle. We talked about the role of tools in modern science, open source movement, repeatability of scientific results, computer languages, computer programs as objects of arts, and even if programs can be revolutionary.