Scientists use DAAC data to understand Earth systems.
He could well have been referring to climate modelling. Earth system scientists are increasingly turning to the relative simplicity of models for an understanding of the awesome complexity of our planet. In this issue of Earth Observing Science, we focus on the model as a tool for studying global climate and the Earth system. C limate models may simplify the intricacies of the Earth system, but as they evolve to become more accurate and perhaps even predictive, they become more complex. In part because of the vast array of DAAC data available to investigators, scientists are able to address this complexity and begin to answer some of the questions necessary to produce more accurate models.