here - CEOP-HE

3. CEOP-HE plan
3.1. Goal and objectives
Based on the key elements of process studies with various regional issues regarding the EWC over
HE and large scale mountains, CEOP-HE working group set its goal under the GEWEX/CEOP
activity to study multi-scale variability in hydro-meteorological and energy cycles in high elevation
environments, improving observation, modeling and data management.
To achieve the above goal, HE’s objectives are:
1. Improve the understanding of the energy cycle and climate change in mountain regions,
promoting long-term monitoring and establishing a consolidated network of observatories
located at high altitude, with the perspective of coordinating a Global High Elevations Watch
(GHEW).
2. Study the water cycle in high elevation regions with particular attention to climate change
effects on glaciers, permafrost, hydrology and mountain ecosystems.
3. Improve the understanding of aerosol influence on energy and water cycles in high elevation
areas.
4. Promote and develop research activities in case study areas located at high elevations at the
worldwide level.
3.2. Implementation strategy
In order to ensure successful achievement of the general goals, the key elements of an
implementation strategy within the first five years of activity have been identified, summarized as
follows.
‣ Action A: Network of observatories.
HE will focus its efforts on the creation of an HE network (HE-Net) of observatories, which will
include both CEOP-HE Reference Sites and other selected and well representative sites located
in the Earth’s high elevations areas.
‣ Action B: Data quality management
For each site metadata regarding the installation procedures, data acquisition and validation,
long-term maintenance, QA/QC policies, data sharing policies, etc. will be developed, specifically
oriented towards high elevated remote areas.
‣ Action C: Archive, data assimilation and management
Data collected from both CEOP-HE Research Stations and other high elevated environmental
monitoring stations will be organized in a database as a part of the SHARE Information
System.
‣ Action D: Exchange and campaign activities of scientific results
Exchange of results and progress obtained in HE related studies world-wide will be ensured by
holding workshops or special sessions at major international conferences, in order to identify
common problems and goals, and promote/encourage/endorse research activities and
publications.
Collected data will be used in several disciplines to study: the interaction between global climate
change and ecosystems responses, such as glacial retreat, modifications of hydrological regimes at
high elevations; water budget processes and the role of atmospheric components of these processes;
modelling of high elevation climates, focusing particular attention on precipitation and physical
processes related to the water cycle; analysis of high elevation areas, etc.
CEOP-HE
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