GCOS Implementation Plan - WMO

Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC
(2010 Update)
Action A33 [IP-04 A31]
Action: Develop and implement a coordinated strategy to monitor and analyse the distribution of
aerosols and aerosol properties. The strategy should address the definition of a GCOS baseline
network or networks for in situ measurements, assess the needs and capabilities for operational and
research satellite missions for the next two decades, and propose arrangements for coordinated
mission planning.
Who: Parties’ national services, research agencies and space agencies, with guidance from AOPC
and in cooperation with WMO GAW and AERONET.
Time-Frame: Ongoing, with definition of baseline in situ components and satellite strategy by 2011.
Performance Indicator: Designation of GCOS baseline network(s). Strategy document, followed by
implementation of strategy.
Annual Cost Implications: 10-30M US$ (20% in non-Annex-I Parties).
Supporting Measurement of Precursors for Aerosols and Ozone
Global observation of the aerosol and ozone precursors NO 2 , SO 2 , HCHO and CO (in addition to CH 4 ,
covered earlier) has been shown to be feasible from space. In the last ten years major progress has
been made in measuring these species in the troposphere and lower stratosphere using a range of
instruments, and it will be possible to extend the data record forward to several decades with data that
will come from existing and planned operational missions. Studies have shown that emission
estimates using inverse modelling techniques and satellite data can help to reduce the uncertainties
in emission data bases, and first studies are being performed combining precursor and aerosol data
from space to obtain information on aerosol composition. Emerging integrated data products for the
ozone and aerosol ECVs from comprehensive chemical data assimilation systems will be improved by
assimilating observations of the precursors, as this will lead to better background model fields of
ozone and aerosol. Combining observations of the precursors with those of tropospheric ozone and
aerosols will be crucial for attributing change to natural and anthropogenic sources. High temporal
and spatial resolution is needed to improve the emission estimates, especially for short-lived trace
gases with a large diurnal cycle such as NO 2 and SO 2 .
Information from in situ observations is needed to exploit the value of the satellite measurements of
the precursors and validate data products (Action A27). Since retrieval is dependent on profile
assumptions, albedo and cloud, research activities have to be undertaken to improve existing retrieval
techniques, using a combination of in situ, satellite and model information.
Action A34
Action: Ensure continuity of products based on space-based measurement of the precursors
(NO 2 , SO 2 , HCHO and CO in particular) of ozone and aerosols and derive consistent emission
databases, seeking to improve temporal and spatial resolution.
Who: Space agencies, in collaboration with national environmental agencies and meteorological
services.
Time-Frame: Requirement has to be taken into account now in mission planning, to avoid a gap
in the 2020 timeframe.
Performance Indicator: Availability of the necessary measurements, appropriate plans for future
missions, and derived emission data bases.
Annual Cost Implications: 10-30M US$ (10% in non-Annex-I Parties).
4.4. Atmospheric Domain – Data Management
Data management is a key consideration in the establishment of GCOS baseline networks (see Table
10). For GSN and GUAN, real-time monitoring centres have been set up, as well as delayed-mode
archive and analysis centres. However, much remains to be done in these cases to obtain more
homogeneous digital historical records, and a greater focus is needed on the collection and archiving
of digital metadata associated with observing networks. In many countries, historical measurements
have been archived only in paper records, and a concerted international effort continues to be needed
to ensure that the global digital historical record is as comprehensive as possible. For other networks,
real-time and delayed-mode analysis centres are being established. Actions to establish improved
data management for most of the atmospheric composition variables are critical, and one focus of the
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