Working Group on Modeling
Modeling plays a central role in understanding and explaining observational data in terms of underlying processes. Greater process understanding allows for predictive/forecasting capability under conditions where observations are not available (e.g. future). Models can provide plausible (pseudo) data otherwise not observable for designing measurement strategies for new observations. In most studied systems complex interactions are not intuitive or easily understood. Models allow scientists to simulate, visualize, manipulate and gain intuition about the phenomena they are designed to represent.
The Modeling Working Group will consider ways to improve/advance modeling activities within the TE program. The initial focus will be on how to target and maximize resources to fully exploit current modeling capabilities as well as identifying new activities and resource needs.
Specific suggestions of issues to consider by this WG might include but are not limited to:
- Model intercomparisons: what lessons from previous and current ongoing model intercomparison efforts can be used to identify useful intercomparisons in the future and frameworks for implementation? Currently within the NACP the Mult-scale Synthesis and Intercomparison project, the Site Level Interim Synthesis and the Regional and Continental Synthesis are underway. A review of these efforts will provide a context for how intercomparisons are organized and implements and these ongoing efforts may themselves benefit from WG deliberations and recommendations. Past Model intercomparisons (TRANSCOM,C4MIPS, C-LAMP, and those associated with past field campaigns BOREAS, and LBA) will also provide lessons for developing more effective frameworks for model intercomparisons.
- Infrastructural needs for modeling: Can common community standards for data be identified? What are the needs for centralized hardware and/or software?
- Identification of data products for driving and evaluating models.
Recommendations from the WG should include clear indication of priorities.
The Modeling WG should have connections with other WGs including the Data Products WG and the Field Campaigns WG.
Other sources of information and discussion on modeling issues within the TE program include plenary presentations and breakout reports from previous NASA workshops such as the 2010 TE Science Team meeting and the Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems Joint Science Workshop held in 2008, both of which are available on the NASA Carbon Cycle and Ecosystems web site.
Provided an issue is relevant to TE modeling science and of importance to the TE community (e.g. identified at a recent TE workshop), the WG will have the ability identify a new issue for its consideration and develop the agenda to address it.
Details regarding the operations of the WG will be determined by the WG in consultation with the CC&E Office and the TE Program Manger. Recommendations from the WG will be conveyed to the CC&E Office and the TE Program Manager for their consideration and potential implementation. Recommendations will be shared with the broad TE community through the TE Web site and other appropriate means.
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