Surface-Atmosphere Interactions for Planetary Boundary Layer Science: A Roadmap for Integrated Observations
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The planetary boundary layer (PBL) is the atmospheric layer closest to Earth’s surface that is directly influenced by surface processes, where exchanges of momentum, heat, mass, and radiation regulate environmental conditions with direct societal relevance. Because the thermodynamic structure and dynamics of the PBL are tightly coupled to surface–atmosphere interactions, accurate characterization of these processes is essential for advancing understanding of Earth system feedbacks. However, despite their importance, significant observational gaps remain in capturing the coupled surface–PBL system across the spatial and temporal scales required for both scientific and operational applications. This perspective paper articulates the central role of surface–atmosphere interactions in PBL science and their importance for advancing multiplatform observing systems. We assess the key surface variables and their required spatiotemporal resolutions needed for accurate PBL characterization, evaluate the capabilities and limitations of current global observing systems and the Program of Record—including space-based, airborne, and ground-based assets—and review emerging technological and scientific efforts aimed at addressing these gaps. Building on this assessment, we argue that advancing toward a comprehensive, surfaceinformed PBL observing system is both a scientific and societal imperative. Such a system would overcome current observational limitations and unlock substantial benefits across a wide range of applications that depend critically on accurate PBL representation, yet remain underrecognized. By synthesizing current knowledge and defining clear observational priorities, this work aims to guide the design of future PBL global observing systems and its integration, as well as to mobilize the scientific community toward coordinated, multi-scale observations of surface–atmosphere interactions, ultimately advancing PBL science and its applications on a global scale. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The planetary boundary layer (PBL) is the lowest part of the 86
Authors: Melina S. Yabra, Patricia Lawston-Parker, Niama Boukachaba, Shawn P. Serbin, Andrew F. Feldman, Haydee Salmun, Katia Lamer, Lauren E. L. Lowman, Paul A. Dirmeyer, Yanqiu Zhu, Joseph A. Santanello, Alexis Berg, Timothy M. Lahmers, Patrick Stegmann, Aryeh J. Drager, Carol Anne Clayson, Michael F. Jasinski, Volker Wulfmeyer, Min Huang, Hongbin Yu, Jordi Vila Guerau de Arellano, Jeffrey B. Basara, Derek J. Posselt, Avelino Arellano, Cenlin He, Ryan A. Wade, Emily Berndt, Yu Zhang, Sebastian Harkema, Dhruva Kathuria, Antonia Gambacorta, Alexander Kotsakis, Kip Nielsen, Michelle S. Zhang, Yu Cheng, Sreenath Paleri, Shanru Tian, John C. Lin, Jinwoong Yoo, Michael Ek, Joshua K. Roundy, Bart Geerts, Michael A. Brunke, David D. Turner
Institutions: Goddard Space Flight Center, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Morgan State University, The Graduate Center, CUNY, City University of New York, Hunter College, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Wake Forest University, George Mason University, State University of New York at Oswego, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, University of Hohenheim, Wageningen University & Research, University of Massachusetts Lowell, California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Marshall Space Flight Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, The University of Texas at Arlington
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Science, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Headquarters, Biological and Environmental Research
OpenAlex ID: W7171531641