> Also, a realistic simulation of global wind patterns isn't actually that hard. Since it's only long-term trends that matter (at least when it comes to shaping

> Also, a realistic simulation of global wind patterns isn't actually that hard. Since it's only long-term trends that matter (at least when it comes to shaping overall climate), it's not like you'd have to calculate detailed fluid mechanics models. A simple model of Hadley & Ferrel cells (which is key to having realistic deserts) would get you most of the way there. I enjoyed the entire article, but this was the main thing that stood out to me as well. Fluid dynamics on a spheroid are extremely well documented, and incorporating them will help derive a lot of familiar features that are a necessary consequence of them. Trade winds, Hadley cells, predominant ocean currents (etc), these are all things that can be easily applied to the appropriate model. Particularly when you look at precipitation, the reason we have massive bands of dry and wet areas is because we live on a giant spinning ball. In any case, really interesting to read!