Merged Observatory Data Files (MODFs): an integrated observational data product supporting process-oriented investigations and diagnostics

Merged Observatory Data Files (MODFs): an integrated observational data product supporting process-oriented investigations and diagnostics

A large and ever-growing body of geophysical information is measured in campaigns and at specialized observatories as a part of scientific expeditions and experiments. These collections of observed data include many essential climate variables (as defined by the Global Climate Observing System) but...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geoscientific Model Development Vol. 17; no. 13; pp. 5225 - 5247
Main Authors: Uttal, Taneil, Hartten, Leslie M, Khalsa, Siri Jodha, Casati, Barbara, Svensson, Gunilla, Day, Jonathan, Holt, Jareth, Akish, Elena, Morris, Sara, O'Connor, Ewan, Pirazzini, Roberta, Huang, Laura X, Crawford, Robert, Mariani, Zen, Godøy, Ãystein, Tjernström, Johanna A. K, Prakash, Giri, Hickmon, Nicki, Maturilli, Marion, Cox, Christopher J
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Katlenburg-Lindau Copernicus GmbH 08-07-2024
Copernicus Publications, EGU
Copernicus Publications
Subjects:
Atmosphere
Baseline studies
Climate
Climate change
Climate system
Codification
Collections
Datasets
Forecasting models
Global climate
Ice
Information processing
Institutional repositories
Intercomparison
Internet service providers
Metadata
Multiship expeditions
Observatories
Principles
Quality control
Radiation
Snow
Telecommunications systems
Variables
Weather forecasting
Arctic region
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Description
Summary:A large and ever-growing body of geophysical information is measured in campaigns and at specialized observatories as a part of scientific expeditions and experiments. These collections of observed data include many essential climate variables (as defined by the Global Climate Observing System) but are often distinguished by a wide range of additional non-routine measurements that are designed to not only document the state of the environment but also the drivers that contribute to that state. These field data are used not only to further understand environmental processes through observation-based studies but also to provide baseline data to test model performance and to codify understanding to improve predictive capabilities. To address the considerable barriers and difficulty in utilizing these diverse and complex data for observation–model research, the Merged Observatory Data File (MODF) concept has been developed. A MODF combines measurements from multiple instruments into a single file that complies with well-established data format and metadata practices and has been designed to parallel the development of corresponding Merged Model Data Files (MMDFs). Using the MODF and MMDF protocols will facilitate the evolution of model intercomparison projects into model intercomparison and improvement projects by putting observation and model data “on the same page” in a timely manner. The MODF concept was developed especially for weather forecast model studies in the Arctic. The surprisingly complex process of implementing MODFs in that context refined the concept itself. Thus, this article explains the concept of MODFs by providing details on the issues that were revealed and resolved during that first specific implementation. Detailed instructions are provided on how to make MODFs, and this article can be considered a MODF creation manual.
Bibliography:AC05-00OR22725; 100018302; NA17OAR4320101; NA22OAR43201511; 100007298
USDOE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
ISSN:1991-9603
1991-959X
1991-962X
1991-9603
1991-962X
DOI:10.5194/gmd-17-5225-2024