The Modeling and Synthesis Thematic Data Center (MAST-DC) is a component of the data system of the North American Carbon Program (www.nacarbon.org) data system designed to support NACP by providing data products and data management services needed for modeling and synthesis activities.

The overall objective of the proposed MAST-DC is to provide data management support to NACP investigators and agencies performing modeling and synthesis activities. Based on specific requirements established by NACP, we will provide data products for modeling and synthesis in consistent and uniform grids, projections, and formats.

Specific tasks of the proposed MAST-DC include:

1. coordinate data management activities with NACP modelers and synthesis groups;
2. prepare and distribute model input data;
3. provide data management support for model outputs;
4. provide tools for accessing, subsetting and visualization;
5. provide data packages to evaluate model output; and
6. support synthesis activities, including data support for workshops.

MAST-DC will provide data products and services required by NACP in a central location, with common and co-registered spatial projections, in easily converted formats. The MAST-DC will free modelers and those doing the synthesis and integration from having to perform data management functions. Consequently, the MAST-DC will enable NACP participants to conduct their work more readily, facilitate the development of new model products needed by models, and assist in gaining new insights into the carbon cycle in North America.