| > Oceanography > Issues > Archive > Volume 22, Number 3 |
2009, Oceanography 22(3):22–33, http://dx.doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2009.63
An Overview of Global Observing Systems Relevant to GODAE
Authors | Abstract | Full Article | Citation
Authors
Candyce Clark | US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Climate Program Office, Silver Spring, MD, USA, and JCOMM Observations Programme Area Coordinator.
In Situ Observing System Authors |
D.E. Harrison (NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, USA)
Mike Johnson (NOAA/Climate Program Office, USA)
Graeme Ball (Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Australia)
Howard Freeland (Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans, Canada)
Gustavo Goni (NOAA/Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, USA)
Maria Hood (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission/UNESCO, France)
Michael McPhaden (NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, USA)
David Meldrum (Scottish Association for Marine Sciences, UK)
Mark Merrifield (University of Hawaii, USA)
Dean Roemmich (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA)
Chris Sabine (NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, USA)
Uwe Send (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA)
Robert Weller (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, USA)
Stan Wilson | NOAA, Satellite and Information Service, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Satellite Observing System Authors |
Jerome Benveniste (European Space Agency, The Netherlands)
Hans Bonekamp (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, Germany)
Craig Donlon (European Space Agency, The Netherlands)
Mark Drinkwater (European Space Agency, The Netherlands)
Jean-Louis Fellous (Committee on Space Research, France)
B.S. Gohil (Indian Space Research Organisation, India)
Gregg Jacobs (Naval Research Laboratory, USA)
Pierre-Yves Le Traon (Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer, France)
Eric Lindstrom (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, USA)
Lin Mingsen (State Oceanic Administration, China)
Keizo Nakagawa (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Japan)
François Parisot (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, Germany)
Abstract
A global ocean observing system for the physical climate system, comprising both in situ and satellite components, was conceived largely at the Ocean Observations conference in St. Raphael, France, in October 1999. It was recognized that adequate information was not available on the state of the world ocean or its regional variations to address a range of important societal needs. Subsequent work by the marine carbon community and others in the ocean science and operational communities led to an agreed international plan described in the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Implementation Plan (GCOS-92, 2004). This foundation observing system was designed to meet climate requirements, but also supports weather prediction, global and coastal ocean prediction, marine hazard warning systems, transportation, marine environment and ecosystem monitoring, and naval applications. Here, we describe efforts made to reach the goals set out in the international plan. Thanks to these efforts, most of the ice-free ocean above 2000 m is now being observed systematically for the first time, and a global repeat hydrographic survey and selected transport measurements supplement these networks.
The system is both integrated and composite. It depends upon in situ and satellite networks that measure the same variable using different sensors. In this way, optimum use is made of all available platforms and sensors to maximize coverage and attain maximum accuracy. Wherever feasible, observations are transmitted in real time or near-real time to maximize their utility, from short-term ocean forecasting to estimation of century-long trends. Because our historical knowledge of oceanic variability is limited, we are learning about the sampling requirements and needed accuracies as the system is implemented and exploited. The system will evolve as technology and knowledge improve. The biggest challenge for the greater oceanographic community—including both research and operational components—will be demonstrating impacts and benefits sufficient to justify the funds needed to complete the observing system, as well as to sustain its funding for the long term.
Full Article
Citation
Clark, C., and the In Situ Observing System Authors, and S. Wilson and the Satellite Observing System Authors. 2009. An overview of global observing systems relevant to GODAE. Oceanography 22(3):22–33, http://dx.doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2009.63.