NASA Scientist Dr. Ott Driving Greenhouse Gas Modeling Advancements
Dr. Ott, a NASA scientist, is driving advancements in greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling. She envisions modeling centers supporting climate efforts and aims to transform GHG modeling into a trusted decision-support system.
Over the past decade, satellite missions like NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) have significantly improved data quality and reduced biases. This progress, coupled with international cooperation through initiatives like the Global Carbon Project (GCP), has enhanced GHG modeling and data sharing.
Dr. Ott, working across disciplines at NASA, leads efforts to improve global models and produce actionable information on greenhouse gases. She advocates for more vertically resolved aircraft profiles and expanded ground-based networks to refine model physics and validation.
Despite advances, GHG modeling remains challenging due to small atmospheric gradients and uncertain transport processes. However, key breakthroughs such as better prior information, operational integration, and adaptive numerical methods have been achieved.
Dr. Ott's work, supported by international cooperation and improved data, is transforming GHG modeling into a reliable, decision-supporting tool. Her efforts are crucial for effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
