SINDBAD Conceptual Framework

SINDBAD is a framework for seamlessly integrating ecosystem models with multiple data streams through various optimization schemes and integration methods. The framework treats input data, initial conditions, parameters, model processes, observations, and integration methods as interconnected components of a unified system, as illustrated in the figure below.

Fig. SINDBAD Conceptual Framework

Framework Flexibility

SINDBAD achieves its flexibility through modular design in four key areas:

1. Model Structure: Adaptable ecosystem process representations

2. Input Data: Flexible data ingestion and processing

3. Observation Data: Versatile observational constraint integration

4. Integration Methods: Customizable optimization and assimilation approaches

Configuration and Implementation

All framework options and approaches are specified through configuration files, ensuring consistent information storage across SINDBAD objects and structures. This standardization enables models to process information uniformly regardless of the specific configuration.

Core Components

The SINDBAD workflow consists of the following key steps:

1. Configuration

• Read and process configuration files

• Set up experiment information

  • Configure model structure and pools

  • Define simulation parameters

2. Data Processing

• Load forcing and observation data using SindbadData

• Prepare model initial setups using SindbadSetup

• Configure optimization settings

3. Execution

• Run the experiment