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Utilizing PBL Height Data From Multiple Observing Systems in the GEOS System. Part II: Assessment of PBL Height Data.

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Title: Utilizing PBL Height Data From Multiple Observing Systems in the GEOS System. Part II: Assessment of PBL Height Data.
Authors: Yang, E.‐G.1,2 (AUTHOR) Eun-Gyeong.Yang@nasa.gov, Zhu, Y.2 (AUTHOR) Yanqiu.Zhu@nasa.gov, Arnold, N. P.2 (AUTHOR), Ganeshan, M.3,4 (AUTHOR), Salmun, H.5 (AUTHOR), McGrath‐Spangler, E. L.2,3 (AUTHOR), Palm, S.6,7 (AUTHOR), Lewis, J.1,7 (AUTHOR), Santanello, J.8 (AUTHOR), Wu, D.4 (AUTHOR), Yorks, J. E.7 (AUTHOR), Welton, E. J.7 (AUTHOR), Sienkiewicz, M.2,6 (AUTHOR), Selmer, P. A.6,7 (AUTHOR), Piepmeier, J. R.9 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Geophysical Research. Atmospheres. 2/16/2026, Vol. 131 Issue 3, p1-21. 21p.
Subject Terms: *Radiosondes, Data assimilation, LIDAR, Atmospheric boundary layer, Remote sensing
Company/Entity: United States. National Aeronautics & Space Administration
Abstract: This sequel study continues to develop a strategic framework for the global Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH) analysis and monitoring using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) data assimilation (DA) system. The framework supports the assessment of PBLH from multiple observing systems, including radiosonde, Global Navigation Satellite System‐Radio Occultation (GNSS‐RO), spaceborne lidars: Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) and Cloud‐Aerosol Transport System (CATS), ground‐based lidar: NASA Micro‐Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET), and ground‐based radar: networks of radar wind profilers (GRWP), using either consistent or inconsistent PBLH definitions from the GEOS model. A comprehensive evaluation over a 27‐day period (23 August –18 September 2015) is performed to quantify the PBLH Observation minus Forecast bias and Root Mean Square Deviation across data types. Although radiosonde, GNSS‐RO, and GRWP PBLH are assessed using consistent model definitions, lidar‐based PBLH is compared using inconsistent ones due to current model limitations. The results underscore the importance of using physically and instrumentally consistent model PBLH with corresponding PBLH observations. They further demonstrate that robust quality control and thinning procedures tailored to each observation type are critical, particularly when model definition and PBLH observations are inconsistent. The results also highlight notable discrepancies among two space‐based lidar PBLH data sets, especially over the ocean, which the implementation of corresponding lidar‐based model PBLH and advanced PBLH retrieval algorithms are expected to reduce. The developed framework enables a robust evaluation of current and future PBLH data sets and serves as a foundation for an effective assimilation strategy. Plain Language Summary: Understanding the height of the planetary boundary layer, the lowest part of the atmosphere that directly interacts with Earth's surface, is important because it affects many aspects of people's life and the atmosphere layer we live in, including weather, air quality, wildfire, aviation, agriculture, climate. This study develops a strategic framework to evaluate the height of this layer, called the Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH), for the global PBLH analysis and monitoring within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) data assimilation system. This PBLH framework enables the assessment of PBLH data derived from multiple observing systems including weather balloons, Global Navigation Satellite System‐Radio Occultation (GNSS‐RO), spaceborne lidars, and ground‐based instruments such as radar and lidar, using either consistent or inconsistent PBLH definitions from the GEOS model. Preprocedures tailored to each observation type are implemented to remove poor‐quality data in preparation for assimilation in the GEOS. This study highlights the importance of using consistent model PBLH definition to compare with corresponding PBLH data. The study also reveals notable discrepancies between two satellite‐based lidar PBLH data sets, especially over oceans. The developed framework enables a robust evaluation and assimilation of current and future PBLH data. Key Points: The developed strategic Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH) data assimilation (DA) framework enables a robust evaluation of current and future PBLH data in National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Earth Observing System DA systemConsistent model PBLH definitions are important for comparisons with PBLH data derived from ground‐ and space‐based observing systemsThe study reveals notable discrepancies between two satellite‐based lidar PBLH data sets, namely Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation and Cloud‐Aerosol Transport System, especially over oceans [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: GreenFILE
Description
Abstract:This sequel study continues to develop a strategic framework for the global Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH) analysis and monitoring using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) data assimilation (DA) system. The framework supports the assessment of PBLH from multiple observing systems, including radiosonde, Global Navigation Satellite System‐Radio Occultation (GNSS‐RO), spaceborne lidars: Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) and Cloud‐Aerosol Transport System (CATS), ground‐based lidar: NASA Micro‐Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET), and ground‐based radar: networks of radar wind profilers (GRWP), using either consistent or inconsistent PBLH definitions from the GEOS model. A comprehensive evaluation over a 27‐day period (23 August –18 September 2015) is performed to quantify the PBLH Observation minus Forecast bias and Root Mean Square Deviation across data types. Although radiosonde, GNSS‐RO, and GRWP PBLH are assessed using consistent model definitions, lidar‐based PBLH is compared using inconsistent ones due to current model limitations. The results underscore the importance of using physically and instrumentally consistent model PBLH with corresponding PBLH observations. They further demonstrate that robust quality control and thinning procedures tailored to each observation type are critical, particularly when model definition and PBLH observations are inconsistent. The results also highlight notable discrepancies among two space‐based lidar PBLH data sets, especially over the ocean, which the implementation of corresponding lidar‐based model PBLH and advanced PBLH retrieval algorithms are expected to reduce. The developed framework enables a robust evaluation of current and future PBLH data sets and serves as a foundation for an effective assimilation strategy. Plain Language Summary: Understanding the height of the planetary boundary layer, the lowest part of the atmosphere that directly interacts with Earth's surface, is important because it affects many aspects of people's life and the atmosphere layer we live in, including weather, air quality, wildfire, aviation, agriculture, climate. This study develops a strategic framework to evaluate the height of this layer, called the Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH), for the global PBLH analysis and monitoring within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) data assimilation system. This PBLH framework enables the assessment of PBLH data derived from multiple observing systems including weather balloons, Global Navigation Satellite System‐Radio Occultation (GNSS‐RO), spaceborne lidars, and ground‐based instruments such as radar and lidar, using either consistent or inconsistent PBLH definitions from the GEOS model. Preprocedures tailored to each observation type are implemented to remove poor‐quality data in preparation for assimilation in the GEOS. This study highlights the importance of using consistent model PBLH definition to compare with corresponding PBLH data. The study also reveals notable discrepancies between two satellite‐based lidar PBLH data sets, especially over oceans. The developed framework enables a robust evaluation and assimilation of current and future PBLH data. Key Points: The developed strategic Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH) data assimilation (DA) framework enables a robust evaluation of current and future PBLH data in National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Earth Observing System DA systemConsistent model PBLH definitions are important for comparisons with PBLH data derived from ground‐ and space‐based observing systemsThe study reveals notable discrepancies between two satellite‐based lidar PBLH data sets, namely Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation and Cloud‐Aerosol Transport System, especially over oceans [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:2169897X
DOI:10.1029/2025JD044701