Observing system simulation experiments double scientific return of surface-atmosphere synthesis

Abstract

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.