Disaster modeling and simulation

Research importance: Agencies want to simulate the impact of events that occur in one sector, such as the power grid, on other sectors, such as public water supplies or telecommunications networks. New tools are necessary to enable such large-scale modeling.

Potential benefits: On the highest level, modeling and simulation of interdependencies will increase the ability to protect human life and national resources. A potential byproduct is the development of more comprehensive modeling programs that can be used across sectors even under circumstances that don't constitute a disaster.

Current state of the art: Many robust modeling and simulation capabilities exist, but they are typically limited to a single industry or infrastructure.

Research and development success factors: Adequate R&D funding is necessary, as well as effective coordination among agencies and industries.

Challenges: Leaders of existing efforts must work together on technological and procedural policies before modeling and simulation can be widely used. Agencies must also adopt a culture of relying on simulations to plan for disasters.