Observing System Simulation Experiments double scientific return of
surface-atmosphere synthesis
Abstract
The observing system design of multi-disciplinary field measurements
involves a variety of considerations on logistics, safety, and science
objectives. Typically, this is done based on investigator intuition and
designs of prior field measurements. However, there is potential for
considerable increase in efficiency, safety, and scientific success by
integrating numerical simulations in the design process. Here, we
present a novel approach to observing system simulation experiments that
aids surface-atmosphere synthesis at the interface of meso- and
microscale meteorology. We used this approach to optimize the
Chequamegon Heterogeneous Ecosystem Energy-balance Study Enabled by a
High-density Extensive Array of Detectors 2019 (CHEESEHEAD19). During
pre-field simulation experiments, we considered the placement of 20
eddy-covariance flux towers, operations for 72 hours of low-altitude
flux aircraft measurements, and integration of various remote sensing
data products. High-resolution Large Eddy Simulations generated a
super-sample of virtual ground, airborne, and satellite observations to
explore two specific design hypotheses. We then analyzed these virtual
observations through Environmental Response Functions to yield an
optimal aircraft flight strategy for augmenting a stratified random flux
tower network in combination with satellite retrievals. We demonstrate
how this novel approach doubled CHEESEHEAD19’s ability to explore energy
balance closure and spatial patterning science objectives while
substantially simplifying logistics. Owing to its extensibility, the
approach lends itself to optimize observing system designs also for
natural climate solutions, emission inventory validation, urban air
quality, industry leak detection and multi-species applications, among
other use cases.