GEOS-5 observing system simulation experiments to assess the impact of additional space-based XCO2 measurements

Lesley Ott, NASA GSFC, lesley.e.ott@nasa.gov (Presenter)
Andrew Tangborn, Goddard Space Flight Center, andrew.v.tangborn@nasa.gov
Steven Pawson, NASA GMAO, steven.pawson@nasa.gov

Observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) provide valuable insight into both observing and data assimilation capabilities that inform future directions of carbon cycle research. In this study, the Goddard Earth Observing System Model, version 5 (GEOS-5) is used to simulate a realistic distribution of atmospheric CO2 using realistic, year specific biomass burning, biosphere, ocean, and fossil fuel fluxes. Synthetic XCO2 data are generated by sampling this 'nature run' at satellite overpass times and locations using GOSAT averaging kernels and adding noise dependent on solar zenith angle and land surface type to represent realistic observation error. These synthetic data are then assimilated into a GEOS-5 simulation conducted with a different, climatological set of CO2 fluxes to assess the ability of the synthetic data to draw the simulation towards the 'true' atmosphere represented by the nature run. In this preliminary set of OSSEs, we compare the impact of data from the planned Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO)-2 mission with the impact of data from a combination of two satellites - OCO-2 and a hypothetical mission comprised of an OCO-like sensor aboard the International Space Station. This work demonstrates the importance of data density in driving the simulation toward 'truth'.

Presentation Type:  Poster

Session:  Science in Support of Decision Making   (Wed 10:00 AM)

Associated Project(s): 

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Poster Location ID: 201