NorESM is the Norwegian Earth System Model. NorESM is a global model, estimating wind, temperature, precipitation and cloud cover in the atmosphere; currents, temperature and salinity in the ocean; vegetation on land and moisture and temperature in the soil; the carbon cycle in the ocean- and land biospheres; and the extent and thickness of snow and ice on land and on the ocean – among other variables.

The model is developed by a broad cooperation between the major climate model developing institutions in Norway. The main responsibility lies with the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.