CSDMS 2021: Listening to Community Feedback

This report presents results from an online survey of members of the Community Surface Dynamics Modeling System (CSDMS) conducted in 2021. A total of 135 responses were received from community members. Demographics indicate the same lack of diversity that applies across the US geosciences. The survey indicates strong interest in CSDMS' community-building activities, and suggests that CSDMS has succeeded in lowering the barrier to code sharing and access. Continuing technical barriers relate in part to developing and debugging codes for modeling and model-data analysis, and to learning and using software created by colleagues. There is a strong need for cyber-learning opportunities, with desired training modes including multi-day in-person courses and self-paced online materials. Interest is growing in CSDMS products such as Landlab, and services such as research software consulting. Collectively, the survey highlights continuing needs for community engagement on a variety of levels: more training opportunities; networking and interaction; technical support and assistance; barrier-bridging technologies; and proactive outreach to broaden access to and participation in the Earth-surface process community.