GCOS Implementation Plan - WMO

Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC
(2010 Update)
Figure 7: Current configuration of the comprehensive WMO GAW network for CO 2 -based data
contained at the WDC for Greenhouse Gases in Japan (WDCGG). Red dots represent in situ
measurements, orange diamonds denote aircraft measurements, and blue triangles are ship
measurements. Crosses show main inter-comparison sites. The network for CH 4 is almost
identical (Source: WDCGG).
Action A30 [IP-04 A29]
Action: Maintain networks for halocarbon and N 2 O and SF 6 measurements.
Who: Parties’ national research agencies and national services, through WMO GAW.
Time-Frame: Ongoing.
Performance Indicator: Data flow to archive and analyses centres.
Annual Cost Implications: 1-10M US$ (20% in non-Annex-I Parties).
ECV – Ozone
Routine measurements of column ozone from ground-based UV spectrometers are established under
the guidance of the WMO GAW programme. Calibration of instruments is an ongoing requirement.
Coarse ozone profile measurements are provided from these spectrometers through the Umkehr
technique. In situ ozone profiles are measured to about 30 km using ozone sondes. The WMO GAW
programme maintains a network of about 40 ozone-sonde stations and collaborates with other
networks such as the NASA/Southern Hemisphere Additional Ozone Sondes (SHADOZ). Recent
calibration and data protocols have significantly improved the accuracy of these data, but more needs
to be done to ensure prompt data supply in uniform code formats, as the data are important for
monitoring the quality of satellite data retrievals and products from data assimilation systems operated
in near-real time. Ground-station networks such as the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric
Composition Change (NDACC) also provide profiles using lidar and microwave techniques. Groundbased
measurements still have very limited coverage in the Tropics and Southern Hemisphere. Both
GAW column ozone and total ozone networks have been recognised as the GCOS Global Baseline
Profile Ozone Network and the GCOS Global Baseline Total Ozone Network.
Action A31 [IP-04 A30]
Action: Maintain the quality of the GCOS Global Baseline (Profile and Total) Ozone Networks
coordinated by the WMO GAW and seek to increase coverage in the Tropics and Southern
Hemisphere. Improve timeliness of provision of data to users and promote adoption of a single code
standard.
Who: Parties’ national research agencies and services, through WMO GAW and partners, in
consultation with AOPC.
Time-Frame: Ongoing.
Performance Indicator: Network coverage and operating statistics.
Annual Cost Implications: 1-10M US$ (50% in non-Annex-I Parties).
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