Description:

The global air-sea transition zone – treating the coupled ocean and atmosphere boundary layers as a single entity – plays a central role in the predictability of the Earth System across timescales from subseasonal to decadal to centennial. In early 2022, US CLIVAR, through sponsorship by NASA, NOAA, NSF, and ONR, initiated a one-year study group of scientists with expertise spanning physical oceanography and atmospheric science, observations and modeling, to determine a well-defined strategy and observing system requirements to advance observing and modeling of the air-sea transition zone at all scales for harnessing Earth system predictability. The observing system strategy will capitalize on recent advances in sensors and platform technologies, including remote sensing and in situ autonomous capabilities. It will explore possibilities of using modern statistical and modeling tools and co‐designing air‐sea observing and data assimilation systems to optimally use available data, fill observational blind spots, and minimize cost while harnessing predictability and providing broader societal benefits. The Town Hall will preview for participants the key strategies and system recommendations included in the draft study report and invite feedback and discussion.