Obs4MIPS: Satellite Observations for CMIP6 Model Evaluation

Abstract:

This poster will review the current status of the obs4MIPs project, whose purpose is to provide a limited collection of well-established and documented datasets for comparison with Earth system models (https://www.earthsystemcog.org/projects/obs4mips/). These datasets have been reformatted to correspond with the CMIP5 model output requirements, and include technical documentation specifically targeted for their use in model otput evaluation. There are currently over 50 datasets containing observations that directly correspond to CMIP5 model output variables.

We will review the results and recommendations from the recent obs4MIPs – CMIP6 planning meeting, which gathered over 50 experts in satellite observations and CMIP modeling, to assess the needed observations to support the next round of CMIP experiments. The recommendations address key issues regarding the inclusion of higher frequency datasets (both observations and model output), the need for error and bias characterization, the inclusion of reanalysis, and support for observation simulators. An update on the governance for the obs4MIPs project and recent usage statistics will also be presented.