A community framework for process-oriented diagnostics of earth system models across scales competition: mapp-process-oriented diagnostics for NOAA climate model improvement and applications (type 2…

A community framework for process-oriented diagnostics of earth system models across scales competition: mapp-process-oriented diagnostics for NOAA climate model improvement and applications (type 2 proposal) introduction and rationale: process-oriented diagnostics (PODS) are guided by physical principles to identify process-level errors in earth system models (ESMS). As ESMS grow in scope and complexity, so must the set of processes and interactions being diagnosed. The NOAA mapp model diagnostics task force (MDTF) creates streamlined pathways for PODS developed within small, academic research teams to be ingested into model development workflows at large modeling centers. Several PODS, spanning multiple realms of the earth system, are centrally-available through a software framework maintained by the MDTF leads team. As the next generation of climate models tend toward increasingly higher spatial resolution, IT is anticipated that future PODS will evolve similarly, requiring diagnostics at fast timescales and using high-resolution model output. At a technical level, maximizing POD usage during the next-generation of model development will require a tighter coupling between the MDTF and modeling center workflows. Extending the MDTF framework to incorporate these anticipated changes presents numerous scientific, technical and institutional challenges, which we aim to address in this type 2 team proposal. Summary of work: this project will continue to build on the efforts of the previous MDTF phases. The core function of the type 2 team will be to support type 1 teams in their POD integration efforts. This will be achieved through a monthly teleconference series, which will provide technical guidance, disseminate previously-formulated POD development principles, and foster greater interactions between POD and model developers. In addition to this core function, the two other main themes of the upcoming phase are: tighter integrations into modeling center workflows and support for fast timescale, high-resolution physics. A closer coupling between MDTF and modeling center workflows will be accomplished by embedding the MDTF framework into existing automated diagnostic suites at gfdl and ncar, and developing PODS in close coordination with a model development team. To enable the diagnosis of fast timescale, 3 process-level errors, this type 2 team proposes to provide non-traditional model simulations at fast (WEATHER) timescales in the atmosphere, and eddy-permitting spatial scales in the ocean. Multiple ensembles of these simulations will be provided to distinguish the role of internal variability from process errors. Other key priorities for the framework include expanding current multi-run capabilities, building a more flexible framework to accept custom preprocessing options, supporting parallelization, and improving data cataloging and access. The MDTF will also continue interacting with the department of energy (DOE) coordinated model evaluation capabilities (CMEC) program to ensure common standards for interoperability, and with the broader goal of keeping U.S. Model evaluation efforts in synchrony. Broader impacts: this proposal addresses the NOAA mapp call for a type 2 proposal to advance the model diagnostics software package led by the MDTF. This proposal advances a collective and synergistic process to integrate results from individual projects into the task force. IT includes a vision for collaborative activities, infrastructure for data and code sharing, technical support for POD integration, a detailed methodology to engage researchers in model evaluation and development, and plans for information dissemination. The proposed project will support noaas long-term climate goals by enhancing societys ability to plan and respond to climate variability and climate change.