Software Reuse targeted at community developed simulation models

This is a poster presented at American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2008 (abstract #IN11A-1020). 

In the development of software simulations of long term geodynamics models, it becomes quickly apparent that a spectrum of fine to coarse grain software reuse is desirable. There is an extensive set of space and time scale-crossing phenomena that can be viewed as similar in their building blocks. If this view is taken, blocks can be targeted for optimisation or improvement, and new more powerful systems of blocks can be developed. Furthermore these contributions can be made by niche specialists and their communities, rather than the productive output of one. Thus achieving higher quality systems more rapidly. Presented is an approach, and the implemented StGermain platform, that encourages reuse of known common components, but systematically adapt to accept new componentry as they are contributed over time. The items for reuse span computational, numerical, constitutive and geophysical concerns. With 5years of application of the approach and platform, discussed is the uptake of derived works through programs such as AuScope and CIG, and how these contributions need an effective curation and testing process to ensure effective reuse.