China Uses AI to Predict Typhoons and Sea Disasters
China launched the Langya Ocean Large Model 2.0, an artificial intelligence (AI) based marine forecasting system. This model is designed to read complex marine symptoms, from typhoons to storm waves.
Quoted from a report by China Daily, Sunday, June 7, Langya 2.0 was released in Qingdao, Shandong Province, on Saturday. This system was independently developed by Chinese researchers.
Researchers say Langya 2.0 can help prevent marine disasters, maritime safety, navigation in polar regions, and efforts to deal with climate change.
Compared to the previous version, Langya 2.0 not only predicts normal sea conditions. This system also predicts more complex sea phenomena.
Li Xiaofeng, a researcher at the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said this model focuses on six areas. Namely, typhoons, rainfall, storm waves, internal solitary waves, mesoscale vortices, and sea ice.
Internal solitary waves are large waves that move below the sea surface. Mesoscale eddies are large-scale ocean current eddies that can affect temperature, currents, and marine life.
To support this function, the research team made six special models. The goal is that the forecast can be used in various situations.
In the typhoon prediction model, Langya 2.0 combines atmospheric and ocean data, satellite cloud images, and previous storm records. This is said to improve the forecast of the trajectory and strength of the typhoon within 24 hours, especially for storms that quickly strengthen or suddenly change direction.
According to China Daily, Director of the Institute of Oceanology Wang Fan said Langya 2.0 combines observations from many sources, science on ocean processes, and AI-based reasoning. As a result, sea forecasts are expected to be faster, more precise, and interactive.
The research team also plans to develop intelligent marine agents for marine ecology, fisheries, and corrosion prevention on large offshore facilities.
China also plans to introduce the Langya series to developing countries and regions that do not have large resources to build a marine observation system. This model is said to be a more cost-effective solution for monitoring and predicting marine phenomena.
The name "Langya" is taken from Cihai, a Chinese language encyclopedia. The name refers to precious treasures that are smooth, clear, and resemble jade. According to the institution, the meaning is used to describe the value and precision of this model.
Langya also has a historical root. In ancient China, Langya Terrace in Qingdao West Coast New Area was used for astronomical observations and calendar forecasts.
The launch of Langya 2.0 shows the increasing use of AI in marine forecasting, especially for reading extreme weather, shipping safety, and disaster risk.