G6.05

G6.05    Future support for GRUAN-processor

Gap Detailed Description

The current plans for WP4 & WP5 anticipate the development and demonstration of a GRUAN-processor which is able to monitor Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model temperature and humidity fields relative to GRUAN radiosonde observations, and to monitor the differences in computed TOA radiances for a wide range of meteorological satellite sensors from measured (GRUAN) and modelled (NWP) state estimates. Originally envisaged to run as part of the operational systems at the WP4 partner institutions (ECMWF and Met Office), a decision was made early in the project to develop the processor as a standalone capability that would therefore be available to a wider user base - including the developers of the GAIA-CLIM Virtual Observatory - effectively as ‘open-source’ software. The GRUAN-processor is built around several core capabilities that are likely to be supported longer-term by EUMETSAT (the fast RT modelling capability [RTTOV] and the flexible interface to NWP model fields [the Radiance Simulator]), nevertheless there is a foreseen governance gap beyond the term of GAIA-CLIM regarding the ongoing development priorities and support for the GRUAN-processor.

The key stakeholders include: satellite agencies (engaged in implementing Cal/Val plans for forthcoming missions); NWP centres (with an interest in determining traceable uncertainties in model fields); GRUAN governance groups and site operators (with an interest in assessing the value of NWP for cross–checking GRUAN data quality); and the wider climate research community (with an interest in assessing the quality of long term satellite datasets). The future governance of the processor would ideally take account of the priorities of this group of stakeholders.

Activities within GAIA-CLIM related to this gap

·     The ongoing development of the GRUAN processor is based around freely available component software that has been developed (in the case of RTTOV) over several decades and will continue to be maintained and enhanced as part of other programmes, thereby minimising the maintenance and development effort for the processor longer-term, beyond the GAIA-CLIM project.

·        The processor is being integrated into the GAIA-CLIM Virtual Observatory, one of the main portals for the GAIA-CLIM project.

Gap Remedy / Remedies

To establish an engaged user-base for the processor, through:

·        Maximising the uptake and impact of the processor, through a focus on: the usability of the system and; the accuracy of outputs.

·        Publicising the processor (and the scientific value of the outputs) and establish healthy links with key stakeholder groups during the course of the GAIA-CLIM project;

Specific remedy proposed:

Maximise uptake and impact of the processor by optimising the scientific integrity of the results and through a focus on the usability of the system during its development, followed by activities aimed at publicising the capabilities of the processor.

Measurable outcome of success:          

Successful integration of the processor and/or outputs into the Virtual Observatory, successfully demonstrated during the end of project User Workshop. Preparation and acceptance of a publication detailing the quantitative comparisons of GRUAN versus NWP for both Met Office and ECMWF models, and including an estimate of uncertainties in NWP TOA radiances/brightness temperatures

Technological viability:                                   

High

Indicative cost estimate:                      

Low (<0.5 million)

Relevance:                                          

The remedy proposed here would document the capabilities of the GAIA-CLIM GRUAN processor and provide a basis for subsequent efforts to promote uptake by key stakeholder groups. This wouldthereby enhance the chances of fostering a coordinated effort toprovide a longer term development path for the processor.

Time bounds:                                     

Within the GAIA-CLIM project timeframe + 12 months.

Gap Risks to Non-Resolution