SC 15 - Opportunities in Ecological Research Provided by Integrating NEON Measurements and NCAR Modeling

Session Description: Earth system science aims to deepen understanding of interactions between natural and social systems and their responses to global change. As such, the collective understanding of changes in Earth system function in response to global change drivers requires a convergence among scientific disciplines, including ecology. Limitations related to data usability and computing infrastructure, however, present barriers to effective use of the research tools that are traditionally developed outside of the ecological sciences. To address these barriers we created a computational platform that pairs meteorological data and site-level ecosystem characterizations from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) with a computing infrastructure that uses the Community Terrestrial System Model (CTSM) that is developed with university partners at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Participants at the ESA short course will gain familiarity with this NCAR-NEON system. The NCAR-NEON system features a simplified user interface that facilitates more rapid use of NEON observations and NCAR models. This short course is designed to introduce novice users to the scientific capabilities of this research system and uses cloud computing to democratize access to data and modeling resources. Short course participants will conduct ecosystem-scale (or single point single point) simulations that are forced with observed meteorology at NEON sites, visualize results, analyze model output, and learn how to make simple code modifications. The course builds on several successful tutorials that have been conducted virtually and in person, with course materials made available on the web. Special focus in the ESA short course will be given to discussing how the NCAR-NEON system can be used for ecological research and teaching with opportunities to extend these conversations and networking opportunities via the NEON Technical Working Group, ongoing NCAR-NEON engagement activities, as well as participation in the Land Model Working Group and Terrestrial Sciences Section at NCAR.