A Survey of Applications of the NASA GEOS-CF Global Atmospheric Composition Forecasts: Case Studies for NASA Open Data and Earth Science to Action

Abstract The Goddard Earth Observing System Composition Forecast (GEOS-CF) is a global atmospheric constituent forecasting system created and operated by the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center. In alignment with the NASA Earth Science to Action Strategy, GEOS-CF forecasts support a variety of research and practical applications, including NASA satellite missions, aircraft campaigns and instrument teams, local and regional air quality forecasters, and public and occupational health experts investigating air pollutant exposure. In alignment with the NASA Open-Source Science Initiative, GEOS-CF supports several data access methods, thereby serving a range of users with varying technical capabilities. This paper surveys several case studies of applications making use of GEOS-CF, investigating how the data were accessed and examining the perceived benefits and limitations of GEOS-CF in each case. The global coverage and data availability of multiconstituent information at a relatively low data latency was broadly perceived as the strength of GEOS-CF, while cited weaknesses included the relatively coarse spatial resolution for local-scale applications, lack of outputs of interest to specific applications, and uncertain data quality for regions and outputs with limited validation observations. Our goal is to present these examples and lessons learned to the broader community both as illustrations of NASA’s Earth Science to Action Strategy and Open-Source Science Initiative and to inform future developments of GEOS-CF and similar systems, with the aim of improving the free and open provision of actionable Earth science information for societal benefit. Significance Statement The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Earth Observing System Composition Forecast (GEOS-CF) is a global atmospheric constituent forecasting system, each day producing 5-day forecasts of airborne trace gases and particulate matter. These forecasts support a variety of users, including NASA missions and science teams, regional and local air quality forecasters, and public health and occupational exposure experts. This paper surveys several use cases, identifying how GEOS-CF is accessed and used, the benefits and limitations of GEOS-CF for each case, and what future improvements could improve its application. We share these insights with the community to provide examples of successes, lessons learned, and important points to consider for others developing similar products in alignment with open science principles for providing actionable Earth science data.