The Climate Observation and Modelling Expertise Team (COMET) aims to enhance the use of satellite-derived climate data in ocean and sea ice modelling by integrating high-quality long-term Earth Observation records from ESA’s Climate Change Initiative (CCI) for key Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) such as sea surface temperature and salinity, sea ice, and sea. By applying advanced data assimilation, model calibration, and machine learning techniques, COMET addresses key scientific challenges in climate modelling, particularly in polar regions, and contributes to more accurate and reliable representations of present and future climate conditions.
The project strengthens links between the Earth Observation and modelling communities under ESA’s Climate-Space initiative and responds to scientific priorities set by the IPCC, WCRP, and GCOS, focusing on better representation of ocean–ice–atmosphere interactions in climate models. It addresses scientific priorities set by the IPCC, WCRP and GCOS, focusing on better representation of ocean–ice–atmosphere interactions in climate models. By improving the physical consistency, usability, and assimilation of satellite ECVs, COMET helps deliver more reliable climate predictions, particularly for vulnerable regions such as the Arctic.
36 months da 05/03/2025 a 30/03/2027
General aims
Its work focuses on three main objectives:
- Tailoring and harmonization of CCI ECVs (SST, SSS, sea level, SIC/SIT) to meet climate model requirements through regrinding, uncertainty characterization, and temporal alignment.
- Enhanced data assimilation and model calibration using tailored datasets within global reanalysis systems (e.g. C-GLORS) to improve coupled ocean–sea-ice fields.
- Development of new methodologies—including machine learning tools— to optimize the use of EO data in assimilation systems and next-generation model calibration.
The project will inform future CCI product development and publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals.
CMCC role
CMCC participates in:
- WP100 “Science Requirements”
- WP300 “Scientific Analysis”
- WP400 “Outreach”
- WP500 “Management”
Activities
In WP100 FONDAZIONE CMCC defines the key scientific priorities and requirements for using EO data in modelling systems.
In WP300 FONDAZIONE CMCC develops the scientific plan for the exploitation of the datasets, including the identification and adaptation or development of the necessary tools, and to carry out the scientific analysis using multiple CCI ECVs together with their associated uncertainties.
In WP400 FONDAZIONE CMCC engages with ESA entities within the CCI Programme, contribute to the dissemination of project results, and coordinate with international projects and scientific groups to foster collaboration and maximize the impact of the project outcomes.
In WP500 FONDAZIONE CMCC contributes to coordination and management activities.
Expected results
- Sea Ice calibration tool
- Updated data assimilation tool
- Enhanced link with observation community
Partners
Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC-ES);
Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui cambiamenti climatici