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Global
Systems
Laboratory
Forecast systems that deliver solutions
Explore GSL
Who we are
In a world where technology and Earth system science are advancing rapidly, the Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) stands at the forefront of atmospheric research. The core of GSL's culture is a dynamic and forward-thinking spirit that drives our investment in people, partnerships, and organizational performance. GSL is a space where innovation and science converge in a hybrid and collaborative environment.
GSL is one of ten NOAA Research Laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools, visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology and artificial intelligence research to support a Weather-Ready, Fire-Ready Nation.
Our Research Serves The Nation
The research we do improves weather data, forecasts, and computing techniques used by industry, decision-makers, and stakeholders. Our work makes the nation's operations safer and more efficient, helps protect lives and property, and promotes economic prosperity.
Public Safety
Aviation
Energy
Fire Weather
News from GSL
Each year, NOAA’s annual Science Report recognizes the groundbreaking research across the agency that helps protect lives, property, and economies in the face of environmental challenges. The latest edition, released in February 2026, showcases dozens of ways that NOAA research makes a difference, including several contributions from NOAA’s Global...
We are proud to announce that two GSL team members have received prestigious recognitions from their peers. American Meteorological Society Honorary Member Dr. Stan Benjamin is recognized as an AMS Honorary Member at the 2026 AMS Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas. Image: NOAA/GSL Dr. Stan Benjamin, a longtime GSL...
In 2025, NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) continued to advance “forecast systems that deliver solutions” to support commerce and protect lives and property. Through more than 20 public code releases, over 50 scientific publications, and multiple research transitions to operations, GSL continued to advance decision support capabilities, Earth-system prediction,...
DESI Digest: Turning Forecasts into Visual Insight
DESI Digest showcases powerful visualizations from NOAA's Dynamic Ensemble-based Scenarios for IDSS (DESI) project. These quick, impactful videos turn complex forecasts into clear insights that support emergency managers, forecasters, and the public.
Check back often for fresh, scenario-driven updates on the nation's evolving weather.
On February 25, 2026, a significant windstorm affected the eastern slopes of the Rockies in northern Montana, including the eastern part of Glacier National Park. NOAA's HREF model gave forecasters advanced notice by showing high probabilities of wind gusts over 70 mph, and DESI was able to highlight specific locations where the highest winds would be most likely. Here, DESI shows not only the wind gust probabilities, but also particle flow visualization, helping show the complex effects of rugged mountain terrain.
Our Goals
Our Mission
Lead research and directed development through the transition of environmental data, models, products, tools, and services to support commerce, protect life and property, and promote a scientifically literate public.
Research Areas
Organizational Excellence, Earth System Prediction, Advanced Technologies, and Decision Support are the foundation to achieving the GSL Grand Challenge: Deliver actionable global storm-scale prediction and environmental information through advanced technologies to serve society.
Global Systems Laboratory
