This VIP team is focused on the development of an atmospheric simulation system for the Great Lakes region. Students on the team will be exposed to weather and climate model design and evaluation, predictability in the atmospheric system, interactions between weather and air quality, and observational networks, through the following activities: (1) High resolution simulation of summer and winter storm systems; (2) Studies of weather predictability and the analysis of in-situ and remote sensing observations; (3) Air pollutant transport and chemistry that affects air quality; (4) Advanced scientific data visualization. Initial work focused on the atmosphere, but project topics may expand to include the simulation of Great Lakes hydrodynamics, land surface processes, and waves/coastal hazards, based on student interest.