The myriad physical processes that occur on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales in important geophysical systems give rise to complex behavior and low frequency variability. Neither the importance of understanding the low frequency variability nor the difficulty of being able to appropriately model it can be over-emphasized.

From the modeling point of view, given the non-uniqueness of small scales with respect to large scales and possible separation of scales between those modeled and those studied, stochastic approaches can provide more realistic representations of variability and allow transitions between attractors. On the other hand, such approaches also allow for a quantification of uncertainties that are inherent in the modeling of these multiscale systems. It is important to note that such quantification of uncertainty is directly linked to being able to compare models and observations and combine them as in data assimilation techniques.

Contributions addressing both fundamental studies of stochastic approaches and applications of such approaches to analysis and modeling of geophysical systems are sought