General Information

Computing Facilities

The ECMWF's computer system include several Fujitsu supercomputers, which at the time of writing are being replaced by two large IBM Cluster 1600 scalar-parallel systems, based upon IBM p-series 690 servers. IBM RS/6000 machines running IBM's TSM product form the basis of ECMWF's Data Handling System (DHS), which manages almost half a petabyte (0.5 x 1015 bytes) of data, stored on IBM Magstar 3590 tape cartridges. A new DHS, based upon IBM p-series 660 servers running HPSS, to replace the excisting DHS in phases over the next two to three years. Other facilities include IBM Nighthawk servers, SGI ORIGIN2000 servers, IBM PCs running Linux and high-availability systems from Hewlett-Packard.

Graphical hardcopy output is generated on laser plotters and on thermal transfer plotters. Workstations display graphical output, including animated sequences over time.

A range of packages and libraries is available to assist users. These provide source editing and data sorting, as well as libraries containing utilities, mathematical subroutines and comprehensive graphics packages such as the Meteorological Applications Graphics Integrated Colour System (MAGICS) and the Metview system. The Meteorological Archival and Retrieval System (MARS) system provides access to the Centre's extensive archive of meteorological data.

Students attending the Meteorological Training Course make use of the ECMWF computing and archive facilities. Permission to use allocated computer time must be obtained in advance from the National Meteorological Service.

Students have access to ECMWF archives via MARS as described in the MARS manual.

Students to the Computer Training Course (modules COM-INTRO, MAG and MV) will carry out data retrievals as part of the course exercises.

While students are attending the Meteorological Training Course they may make use of the ECMWF computer facilities. Please note that permission to use allocated computer time must be obtained in advance from the National Meteorological Service.
Students have access to ECMWF archives via MARS as described in the MARS manual.
Students to the Computer Training Course (modules Com 1, 2 and 3) will be carrying out data retrievals as part of the course exercises.

Travel information

By air

There is a coach service (Railair link), half?hourly for most of the day, between London (Heathrow) Airport and Reading Railway Station. The journey time is one hour or less, depending upon the traffic conditions. Tickets for travel are issued at Heathrow Airport by British Rail and at Reading Station booking office. The coaches set down outside each of the four Terminals at Heathrow and near the main entrance to Reading Station. There is a regular train service between Gatwick Airport and Reading Station.

By rail and bus

The nearest railway station is Reading [General] Station. Trains leave for Reading from London (Waterloo or Paddington) every half hour. There are also trains between Gatwick and Reading. Bus no 9 runs between Shinfield Road and Reading Station approximately every half-hour, though there is only a restricted service on Sundays. These buses stop within ten minutes walking distance of the Centre. Taxis are also available and are a convenient way of reaching the Centre.

By road

From the centre of Reading take the A33 Basingstoke Road, turning left after about 2 km, to the A327, signposted Aldershot. After approximately 3 km you will find the ECMWF entrance on the right of this road.

From the M4 motorway, leave at exit 11 signposted A33 Reading. At the roundabout take the B3350 (B3270) turn off to Shinfield. After about 1 km turn left at the roundabout into Shinfield Road (the A327). The ECMWF entrance will be found after approximately ½ km on the left along this road.

Location of ECMWF

ECMWF is situated in Shinfield Park, Reading, Berkshire, approximately 5 km south of the centre of Reading on the A327 road.

Reading is located approximately 60 km west of London and about 18 km west of Bracknell.

In and around the Centre

Restaurant

ECMWF has its own restaurant for use by staff and visitors. There are also a few pubs in the vicinity where light lunches may be obtained.

Hotels and guest houses

Although there are several hotels and guest houses in Reading it is advisable to make a reservation for accommodation. ECMWF can help arrange bookings provided sufficient notice is given.

Shops

Banks

The nearest bank is the National Westminster Bank close to the University and there is an ATM (cash machine) in Shinfield. A large variety of other banks can be found in the centre of Reading. When cashing Traveller's Cheques it will be necessary for you to have some identification, such as a passport.