Model-observation handshake

1. Model-observation handshake • Research increasingly in the context of improving representation of coupled Earth system models • Improved process representation • Reduced uncertainty • Supporting model-data fusion • Benefits of multiple data constraints • INFUSION model-data fusion activity • Large number of participating sites/models • Treatment of data for data assimilation (e.g. energy balance correction) • Dealing with “dark data” (formats, units, accessibility) • Data formats for BADM data (biological, ancillar, disturbance, metadata) • List of priority variables needed for models, remote sensing calibration, and synthesis studies

2. Model-data fusion: More attention needed • Needs to be more integral part of model development • Process complexity ≠ accuracy • Many models have serious problems representing key carbon cycle variables • Task is daunting, modelers need to start with simple methods • Component model calibration • Limit pre-processing • Easy for model to ingest • Efforts needed (working group?) on refining assimilation-ready data products for global models • Bringing in “dark” data • Multi-scale, multi-variable • Integrated uncertainty estimates Courtesy Sasha Hararuk, YiqiLuo

3. Variables of interest to modelers • Vcmax – slope of light use efficiency curve • Soil moisture profile • Soil turn-over • Soil heterogeneity • Leaf to canopy scaling factor • Characterization of light penetration inside canopy • Soil carbon, biomass

4. Challenge: Translating Between Model Need <-> Observation Capabilities Scaling Model-data fusion Leaf Canopy LAI and Leaf nitrogen Vcmax GPP ???

5. Ideas • Uncertainties should be provided where possible • Add requirement that data be submitted in standard formats to funding calls • Identify ways to make BADM easier for sites to provide • AmeriFlux information request • Send top two data variables most needed from sites – send to ameriflux@lbl.gov along with an explanation of why they are critical