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Observing System Simulation Experiments double scientific return of surface-atmosphere synthesis
  • +8
  • Stefan Metzger,
  • David Durden,
  • Sreenath Paleri,
  • Matthias Sühring,
  • Brian J. Butterworth,
  • Christopher R Florian,
  • Matthias R. Mauder,
  • David M. Plummer,
  • Luise Wanner,
  • Ke Xu,
  • Ankur Rashmikant Desai
Stefan Metzger
NEON Program, Battelle, NEON Program, Battelle

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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David Durden
Unknown, Unknown
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Sreenath Paleri
Dept. of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Matthias Sühring
University of Hannover, University of Hannover
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Brian J. Butterworth
Dept. of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Christopher R Florian
Battelle, Battelle
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Matthias R. Mauder
KIT, KIT
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David M. Plummer
Dept. of Atmospheric Science, University of Wyoming-Laramie, Dept. of Atmospheric Science, University of Wyoming-Laramie
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Luise Wanner
KIT, KIT
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Ke Xu
Dept. of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Dept. of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Ankur Rashmikant Desai
University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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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.
Published in 10.5194/amt-2021-86