<strong>Implementation</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (2010 Update) Action O38 [IP-04 O39] Action: Develop plans for, and coordinate work on, data assembly and analyses. Who: JCOMM and IODE, in collaboration with CLIVAR, CliC, WOAP, GODAE, and other relevant research and data management activities. Time-Frame: 2013. Performance Indicator: Number of ocean climatologies and integrated datasets available. Annual Cost Implications:
<strong>Implementation</strong> <strong>Plan</strong> for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (2010 Update) 5.5.2. Global-scale Observation Capabilities A number of new or improved sensors and platforms will become available for sustained observations within the next 5 to 10 years. Ocean technology is making rapid progress in observing ocean variables that could be accurately measured only in the laboratory until a few years ago, or could not be measured at all. Some of the new sensors are already in research use on moorings and other autonomous deployments. Further technology development and research are necessary for some variables of long-standing importance but limited present feasibility, even if payoff may not be achieved in the desired time. In addition, advances are needed in telecommunications and are likely to become widely available in the near future. Research programmes are currently the primary source of funding for developing new methods and technologies. Continued strong support is needed to develop and bring new technology into pilot project use and then into sustained use in the oceanic climate observing system. Action O41 [IP-04 O3] Action: Promote and facilitate research and development (new improved technologies in particular), in support of the global ocean observing system for climate. Who: Parties’ national ocean research programmes and space agencies, in cooperation with GOOS, <strong>GCOS</strong>, and WCRP. Time-Frame: Continuing. Performance Indicator: More cost-effective and efficient methods and networks; strong research efforts related to the observing system; number of additional ECVs feasible for sustained observation; improved utility of ocean climate products. Annual Cost Implications: 30-100M US$ (10% in non-Annex-I Parties). Ocean climate product development will advance rapidly if adequately supported. Collaboration with ongoing global research programmes (e.g., WCRP, IGBP) and fisheries/ecosystem programmes must be fostered. The following list is meant to be illustrative of areas requiring research and technology development: • Satellite observations with higher resolution and accuracy and more spectral bands than available from the current generation of polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites; improved capability for ocean colour observations in optically-complex (e.g., coastal and turbid waters) and freshwater systems; improved interpretation of sea-ice data from satellites; satellite measurement of salinity. • Observing system evaluation and design, including improvements in air-sea flux parameterizations. • Improvements in ocean platforms, including increased capabilities for Argo floats; improved ‘Gliders’ technology 88 and mooring technology. • New development in ocean sensors and systems, including improved bio-fouling protection, autonomous water sampling systems, new and miniaturization of optical and acoustic systems, airborne variable sensors, and two-way, low-cost, low-power telecommunications. • New and improved capability to study marine genomics and measure biogeochemical variables, nutrients, and dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as to identify organisms. • Improved instruments, including near-surface current meters, in-water radiometers, sensors for air-sea interface variables and turbulent fluxes, and VOS sensor systems. 6. TERRESTRIAL CLIMATE OBSERVING SYSTEM 6.1. General The terrestrial part of the climate system provides human beings with important resources such as food, fibre, forest products, and water. At the same time, variability and changes of the hydrological and biogeochemical cycles are coupled with the climate system and affect the livelihood of millions of people. The primary way in which the terrestrial domain features in climate variability and change is through changes in water storage, carbon storage, and other influences and by way of feedbacks due to changes in land cover and the cryosphere. Precipitation, evapotranspiration, groundwater, soil 88 Profiling floats with a positioning capability achieved by directional gliding. 103
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