Coordination and Management of the U.S. JGOFS Synthesis and Modeling Project
Scott C. Doney (NCAR) and Jorge L. Sarmiento (Princeton University)

This proposal describes the management component of the U.S. JGOFS Synthesis and Modeling Program (SMP). The overall objective of the SMP as defined in the Implementation Plan (U.S. JGOFS, 1997) is to:

"synthesize knowledge gained from the U.S. JGOFS and related studies into a set of models that reflect
our current understanding of the oceanic carbon cycle"

with a primary focus on the processes controlling the partitioning of carbon among oceanic reservoirs and between the ocean and atmosphere. The overall success, therefore, of the SMP depends heavily on fostering strong interactions between the observational and modeling biogeochemical communities and on focusing those efforts in a coordinated fashion.

Based on previous JGOFS experiences, the U.S. JGOFS Steering Committee in consultation with the NSF has appointed two SMP co-chairs, Scott Doney (NCAR) and Jorge Sarmiento (Princeton). They will be responsible for project oversight and coordination, the ongoing scientific relevance of the program, and communication among SMP components. Funds are requested for a full time support scientist, who will reside at NCAR, to assist the co-coordinators with planning and logistics activities.

The proposed management structure attempts to meet the diverse SMP requirements while retaining the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs over the evolution of project. The complete management plan includes a number of elements: foster and coordinate scientific interactions among SMP PIs; organize and participate in the annual SMP PI meeting; create and support the five SMP working groups; ensure the availability of the appropriate infrastructure for SMP; lead the scientific discussion on the grand JGOFS synthesis; communicate SMP results to the oceanographic community; interact with other US and international marine biogeochemical programs.