A new set of indicators for model evaluation complementing FAIRMODE's modelling quality objective (MQO)

<p>In this study, we assess the relevance and utility of several performance indicators (model quality (bias) and model performance (temporal and spatial) indicators), developed within the FAIRMODE framework by evaluating eight Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS) models and their...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: A. de Meij, C. Cuvelier, P. Thunis, E. Pisoni
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2025-07-01
Series:Geoscientific Model Development
Online Access:https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/18/4231/2025/gmd-18-4231-2025.pdf
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Summary:<p>In this study, we assess the relevance and utility of several performance indicators (model quality (bias) and model performance (temporal and spatial) indicators), developed within the FAIRMODE framework by evaluating eight Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS) models and their ensemble in calculating concentrations of key air pollutants, specifically NO<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>, PM<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2.5</sub></span>, PM<span class="inline-formula"><sub>10</sub></span> and O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>3</sub></span>. The models' outputs were compared with observations that were not assimilated into the models. For NO<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2</sub></span>, the results highlight difficulties in accurately modelling concentrations at traffic stations, with improved performance when these stations are excluded. While all models meet the established criteria for PM<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2.5</sub></span>, indicators such as bias and winter–summer gradients reveal underlying issues in air quality modelling, questioning the stringency of the current criteria for PM<span class="inline-formula"><sub>2.5</sub></span>. For PM<span class="inline-formula"><sub>10</sub></span>, the combination of model quality indicators, bias, and spatial-temporal gradient indicators prove most effective in identifying model weaknesses, suggesting possible areas of improvement. O<span class="inline-formula"><sub>3</sub></span> evaluation shows that temporal correlation and seasonal gradients are useful in assessing model performance. Overall, the indicators provide valuable insights into model limitations, yet there is a need to reconsider the strictness of some indicators for certain pollutants.</p>
ISSN:1991-959X
1991-9603