group on earth observation (geo)

User Requirements and Outreach GEO4DOC 4.1(1) Subgroup Report 5 April 2004

Group on Earth Observation (GEO)

Report of the Subgroup on User Requirements and Outreach Report Outline 1. Introduction and scope

2. Identified socio-economic benefits and related key topics

3. User categories

4 User requirements and gap analysis

5. Involvement of users

6. Updating user requirements and monitoring of users satisfaction over time

7. Outreach

8. Towards the 10-year implementation plan Annex I – Sea Surface Temperature (data needs and gaps) Annex II – Atmospheric chemistry (data needs and gaps) Annex III – Geohazards (data needs and gaps) Annex IV – Tentative outline of a user requirements database for GEOSS. Annex V – Acronyms and Abbreviations Annex VI – Subgroup Roster

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GEO Users Requirements and Outreach Report 1. Introduction and scope The purpose of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) is to provide data, information and knowledge in order to achieve better understanding, assessment and prediction of the entire Earth system and provide support for sound decision-making processes, and contribute to socio-economic development. According to the Terms of Reference (ToR), the User Requirements and Outreach subgroup has started an analysis of users' needs for Earth observation specific data and information products at local, national, regional and global levels following a user-driven approach and taking into account scientific knowledge and technological developments. Emphasis was placed on cataloguing existing information and analysis relating to current Earth observation (EO) data requirements, although long-term information and data needs were identified. The resulting information base of user requirements should be viewed as an initial step for providing data and information, largely determined by existing and planned policies of GEO members and by environmental international agreements and conventions. Such information is necessary in order to:

• Facilitate policy formulation and development; • Identify gaps in current and planned programs and systems; • Facilitate monitoring and enforcing the implementation and impact assessment of existing or

planned policies; • Maintain a watching brief in order to identify the need for new policy action.

Using societal benefits as the driving force, and policy priorities as the roadmap, a mechanism is recommended to identify, document, and prioritize actions to be taken to address user requirements for current and future Earth observations, through appropriate dialogue and procedures, taking advantage and building upon the experience of existing initiatives and infrastructures. To be fully successful, the GEOSS must promote a much wider awareness of the benefits of a comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth observations. This is of particular interest and value to developing countries. An outline of an outreach program relying on existing mechanisms and complementary actions, to actively demonstrate the usefulness of Earth observations to key user communities at a decision-making level, has been drawn up. Interaction with the Architecture, Data Utilisation and Capacity Building subgroups has allowed better focus and balance for the outcomes of the subgroup. 2. Identified socio-economic benefits and related key topics The following figure visualizes the process within GEOSS and illustrates how societal benefits result from comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth observations.

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Figure 1. Societal benefits from Earth Observations

In order to conduct an appropriate analysis of the user requirements and to provide the essential elements to prepare a 10-year implementation plan, the socio-economic benefit areas, as identified by the framework document negotiated at GEO-3, are used as the backbone of the report. The following paragraphs provide short descriptions and the compelling rationale for each of these areas, as well as relevant key topics, listed as environmental phenomena to monitor and/or variables to measure. Some reference documents and reports as well as international conventions are also mentioned for some topics. The key topics provided below are not exhaustive and are still being refined. • Reducing loss of life and property from natural and human-induced disasters

Brief description Natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, wildfires, and extreme weather events impose a large and growing burden on society. They are a major cause of loss of life and property, and damage to key resources. As human population increases, habitation in hazardous areas becomes more common and the risk posed by these hazards increases. Our ability to predict, monitor, and respond to natural and technological hazards is a key factor in reducing the occurrence and severity of disasters, and relies heavily on the use of information from well-designed and integrated Earth observations. Natural hazards can have a disproportionate impact on developing countries, where they are major barriers to sustainable development. The recent wildfires in the USA and Australia, the millennium flood in Europe, and the earthquake in Iran where over 30,000 lives were lost, all underline the importance of preparedness, planning, and response. Improved monitoring of hazards and means of providing early warnings are critical for preventing hazards from becoming disasters. To best serve these needs, an integrated approach that includes data from many different sources on both natural environment and human infrastructure is essential: in situ measurements, aerial and satellite remote sensing, and predictive modelling, all integrated into decision support and response systems can provide timely and accurate information needed by decision makers and the public.

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Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Better coordinated observation systems could save lives, protect biota and preserve resources. The future demands predictive systems that could potentially warn decision-makers and the public, and reduce the chance of hazards becoming disasters. Key topics:

Crustal deformation (e.g. earthquake warning, seismic waves, volcanic activity and landslides, etc.) Vegetation fires (e.g. forest fires, burnt areas, etc.) Tsunami and surges Meteorological and hydrological events (e.g. hurricanes, typhoons, severe storms, floods,

drought, blizzards, heat waves) Algal blooms Oil spills Nuclear accidents Chemical accidents Conflict Pestilence Space weather (sun-earth connections)

(ref. IGOS-P Geophysical Hazards, plus ELDAS initiative) (ref. MARPOL convention, Bonn agreement)

• Understanding environmental factors affecting human health and well being

Brief description People born in the 21st century, on average, have a life expectancy about twice that of those born just over a century ago. Most of that increase was gained by environmental changes including: improved sanitation; purified water; more effective control of disease vectors and reservoirs; cleaner air; and safer use of chemicals in our homes, gardens, factories and offices. To expand these benefits to people everywhere necessitates user requirements that are part of the complex web of information needed to protect and improve human health and well being. This can be accomplished to a greater extent by first satisfying fundamental needs for air, water, food, shelter, and inspiration, and ultimately by enhancing our present quality of life and the sustainable development necessary for our future. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits There is a difference in the health and well being of peoples throughout the World. Earth observation data transformed into information, such as indicators of environmental quality, pollution exposures, environment-related health and well being statistics, will educate all of these peoples. The resulting increased awareness will then drive better policy development, nationally and globally, and foster international assistance where needed. Key topics:

Urban environment Air quality UV and near UV radiation Quality and quantity of water for human use Waste Management Transportation infrastructure and patterns Vector and water borne diseases

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Biodiversity Famine/Food security Waste management Land use/land cover Noise levels Energy resources and energy use

(ref. Montreal Protocol)

• Improving management of energy resources Brief description Energy utilization, production and combustion create a variety of issues and needs throughout the World. The issues range from production and burning of biofuels to exploration and development of advanced energy sources, and to air quality and air transport. Fundamental information needs and impacts of development and combustion require an enhanced understanding by decision makers and stakeholders. The use of enhanced Earth observations, information and tools can potentially provide for optimization of sources of energy and management of distribution. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Energy management is a compelling need throughout the World. Differences in regions relate to availability, utility and cost, and how energy issues influence the ecology, environment, and health and well being of humans. Focused efforts with improved Earth observations can help to optimize decision-making, and help supply needed energy and maintain the environment and human health. Key Topics The key topics for this area of socio-economic benefit section need to be developed.

• Understanding, assessing, predicting, mitigating and adapting to climate variability and

change Brief description The systematic and continuous observation of climate parameters is needed to understand climate variability and change due to human activities. This includes the monitoring of physical parameters of the atmosphere, the ocean and the terrestrial domain, as well as the quantities that are directly affected by human activities, such as carbon, aerosols, methane and other greenhouse gases. Understanding is a first step, which progressively leads to a better predicting capability at all possible timescales, and a better assessment of the impact of climate variability and change on life conditions, property and economic activities at regional, national and global scales. Available observational evidence indicates that regional changes in climate, particularly increases in temperature, have already affected a diverse set of physical and biological systems in many parts of the world. A comprehensive observation strategy is also required to develop predictive models of the effect of energy policies and land cover/land use management practices on climate evolution, and in general terms, to support the development of national and international policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Society is vulnerable to climate variability and change. Therefore, the development and further improvement of monitoring and prediction capabilities is a necessary basis for mitigation and

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adaptation policies, in support of sustainable development and for a proper management of natural resources. Key topics

Meteorological parameters (e.g. air temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, clouds, aerosols, etc.) Atmospheric composition parameters (e.g. carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, etc.) Ocean parameters (e.g. sea temperature, salinity, sea level, sea state, sea ice, current, ocean

color [for biological activity], carbon dioxide pressure, nutrients, phytoplancton) Cryosphere information (e.g. sea and land ice coverage, thickness, composition, age and

dynamics, etc) Terrestrial parameters (e.g. river discharge, water use, ground water, lake levels, albedo, land

and vegetation cover, soil moisture, leaf area index, biomass, fire disturbance, etc) (ref. GCOS 2nd Adequacy Report, Essential Climate Variables) (ref. WCRP report on update of space mission requirements, January 2004) (ref. IGOS-P- report Integrated Global Carbon Observation) (ref. IGOS-IGACO Preliminary Report) (ref. UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol)

• Improving water resource management through better understanding of the water

cycle Brief description Over one billion people in the World are currently without safe drinking water. Water quantities are deficient in many places and cannot support crops and feed the populace. Lack of water and food creates great hardships and safety concerns. Enhanced Earth observations, information, and modeling tools and decision support systems (DSS) should help decision makers at local, national, regional and global levels in efforts to monitor, manage, and improve the quality, quantity, and reliability of water sources for plants, wildlife and people. This will also help to predict water availability, droughts, and floods for better management of forests, ranges, deserts, and agricultural lands and drinking water supplies, and for protection of human populations. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits By providing more complete and detailed data (related to water resources, the water cycle, and water quality), information and forecasts, people and decision makers could make informed decisions on water management and services to improve their livelihoods. Key topics

Meteorological parameters (e.g. precipitation, humidity, cloud details, etc.) Terrestrial parameters (e.g. river discharge, lake level, evapotranspiration, soil moisture,

vegetation etc.) Ocean surface parameters (e.g. evaporation, salinity, etc.) Global temporal gravity field parameters (e.g. temporal gravity field data, etc.)

(ref. IGOS-P Global Water Cycle theme report, November 2003)

• Improving weather information, forecasting and warning Brief description The impacts of weather and related hazards (storms, hurricanes, floods, surges, cold spells, heat waves, etc) on society and the economy have long been recognized, as well as the requirement to

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mitigate against severe weather events by providing specific information and weather warnings for safety of life and property. Therefore, in the last hundred years, continuous support has been given to the meteorological community to define, implement and operate systems for data gathering, data processing and information dissemination on the global scale, under the umbrella of WMO. However successful, this process needs to be sustained and further developed. There are identified gaps in data coverage, efficient data processing capabilities and product dissemination systems are still lacking, especially in the developing countries. Furthermore, society is requiring immediate security, collective well being and socio-economic reactivity in facing severe weather conditions. This increasingly complex demand requires scientific and technical development of observations and modelling systems to increase forecast and warning capabilities, especially at the very short range and local scale as well as at extended range and global scale. At the same time, a lot of effort is required to make decision makers, planners and the public fully aware of the value of meteorological advice to turn forecast output into a successful outcome for society. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Historically there is and will be an increasing need to monitor and predict weather to help the world’s population to better conduct their lives in the face of extreme weather events, and to enhance the capacity and readiness of civil authorities and business to mitigate their consequences. Today, as society becomes more complex and fragile, the demand grows to give more precise and timely forecasts and warnings. These must be integrated in security and planning schemes at global, regional and national levels, and also act as a cross cutting issue for almost all the other GEOSS societal benefits. Key topics

Atmospheric parameters (Wind, temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure, etc) Ocean surface parameters (SST, heat fluxes, waves, etc) Land surface parameters (LST, heat fluxes, albedo, etc) Sea and land ice parameters (coverage, type, etc)

(Ref : WMO World Weather Watch Global Observing System) (Ref: IOC Global Ocean Observing System)

• Improving the management and protection of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems

Brief description Our ability to observe and monitor terrestrial, coastal, and marine resources is essential to the sustainable management of such resources to provide benefits to society. Management of resources requires detailed information on the state of the resources, pressure, and related policy responses. Decisions on alternative use require an evaluation of the impacts, a scientific understanding of the dynamic processes, and development and monitoring of indicators of environmental stress and health. Observations are required in a large number of areas including marine security and pollution, urban sprawling, soil degradation, deforestation, and others. The goals for the coming decade are to maximize net benefits in a sustainable and environmentally healthy manner. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Enhanced Earth observations, information, and decision support systems should provide assistance for land, coastal, and marine management and policy making in optimizing sustainable use of resources and mitigating the impact of past and current activities.

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Key topics

Ocean surface and sub-surface parameters (e.g. sea surface temperature and profiles, chlorophyll, sea level height, sea ice, currents, salinity, carbonic acid related, nutrients etc.) Marine security and pollution (e.g. oil slicks, dumping, ship routing, etc.) Coastal zone information (e.g. pollution, eutrophication, current, marine pathogens, etc.) Terrestrial parameters (e.g. biomass, forest, land use, vegetation stress, deforestation, soil

degradation, land cover, etc.) Urban parameters (e.g. urban sprawl, subsidence measurements, soil sealing, etc) Natural and culture heritage Common geographic datasets (e.g. elevation, topography, transportation, drainage system,

residential area, etc.) (ref. IGOS-P Oceans report, IGOS Coastal theme report (May 2003), GOOS reports) (ref. CORINE Report) (ref. Helsinki convention on oceans, MARPOL convention) (ref. Ramsar convention, Berne convention)

• Supporting sustainable agriculture and combating desertification

Brief description Food production is a national priority for development and is an important influence on sustainable development, modernization, and food security for humans. Production is characterized by annual fluctuations related to climate conditions, agricultural skills, market forces and investment. Seasonal and longer-term trends in weather and climate patterns are one of the greatest factors affecting the agricultural, desert and range, and forestry sectors. Decision makers need timely and accurate production information for agricultural management and market decisions. Success depends on farmers adapting to seasonal or longer-term changes in water availability and temperature patterns. The maintenance of healthy forest ecosystems requires understanding of climate and adaptation to or mitigation of effects of extreme weather. Renewable production of biofuels is expected to be a growing area as countries seek to decrease or offset impacts of traditional fuel uses. Good stewardship of farm and rangelands prevents desertification. These challenges require an integrated approach that includes basic understanding of environmental tolerances, requirements, and adaptability of various species or cultivars in combination with in situ and remote sensing based observations and predictions of key environmental factors, such as soil moisture, seasonal temperature and precipitation, extended weather forecasts, and shorter term predictions of extreme weather hazards, such as hurricanes, ice storms, or freezes. Increased, improved observations, models, and predictions of weather and hydrology provide a critical foundation for optimizing production and mitigating the effects of prolonged drought or extreme weather events (such as severe frosts) that can increase susceptibility to insects or diseases, decrease production, destroy entire crops, foster desertification, or kill large areas of forest. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Maintenance, enhancement, and reliability of agricultural, rangeland and forest production are essential for sustaining and improving the health, quality of life, and economic conditions in developing and developed countries. Key topics

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Terrestrial parameters (e.g. biomass, forest, land use, vegetation stress, deforestation, soil degradation, land cover, etc.) Meteorological parameters (e.g. air temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, clouds,

aerosols, etc.) Meteorological and hydrological events (e.g. hurricanes, typhoons, severe storms, floods,

drought, heat waves, etc.) Agricultural parameters (e.g. crop production, food security, pesticide/fertilizer usage, etc.)

(ref. UNCCD)

• Understanding, monitoring and conserving biodiversity Brief description Biodiversity includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. There are a plethora of ethical, spiritual and aesthetic reasons for preserving biodiversity. In many cases, the function of specific species is not well understood and the value to future generations is hard to predict. Diversity within species (genetic diversity) allows species to adapt to novel conditions and, to some degree, anthropogenic modifications to the biosphere. One major problem is to ensure that this mechanism, which explains how life evolved in the geological history of the Earth, is not threatened by human activities. More species disappeared in the last 500 years than during the entire history of the Earth. It is necessary to further track biodiversity issues and to make ecological indicators and forecasts that can predict the impacts of natural and anthropogenic changes on ecosystems and their components. Changes can include extreme natural events, climate, land and resource use, pollution, and invasive species. Ecological forecasts can offer scientifically sound estimations of what is likely to occur. Among other things, species diversity translates into increased potential for new products and services as well as a safeguard against the loss of existing benefits through functional redundancy. The international convention on biodiversity was signed in 1992; since 2002 a very challenging target was set for 2010, i.e. to stop the loss of biodiversity. Compelling rationale for achieving these benefits Various societal benefits derive from biodiversity that range broadly in scope and scale, and can be related to specific actions like climate mitigation, landslide control and water purification, and products like medicines, timber and fish. Biodiversity can also be considered as the only means for life to survive environmental changes. Key topics

Extent and distribution of habitats, and subtypes Quality of habitat subtype (e.g. fragmentation patterns, timber extraction rates, biological

community structure, etc.) Disturbance regimes (e.g. spatial and temporal distributions, ecological responses to

disturbance, etc) Human-wild life – disease interactions and invasive species Agricultural practices relating to biodiversity

(ref. UNCBD) 3. User categories Demands for EO information and data come from many different quarters:

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• policy makers at both national and international levels; • agencies, institutions and relevant international organisations and programmes responsible for

assessments, policy implementation and enforcement at global, regional, national and local levels;

• agencies and institutions responsible for coordination and development of national and international observation systems;

• scientific and education communities, including schools and universities as well as national and international research agencies and centres;

• industries, services sectors and businesses that are often the target of policy decisions; • NGOs, public interest and advocacy groups; • the general public.

The needs of these different users vary, and cannot be met necessarily by the same information, processed and presented in the same way, although they may make use of the same data sources. These different categories could be very roughly gathered in three main groups:

Information end-users As the name indicates, end-users are those for which the information is intended. They use the information as such or disseminate it, but do not process it any further. The information required by the end-users may be fairly straightforward and simply expressed: e.g. Is water quality improving? Is agriculture threatening biodiversity? To what extent is air pollution increasing allergies? What is the influence of transportation on global warming? End-users involved with policy development or management issues typically require indicators, indices or indexes able to help them to deal with these types of questions. It is essential that end-users understand the information production chain in order to support the development of upstream stages related to data production and transformation – and the associated funding needs. On the other hand, data providers and transformers need to be kept timely aware of end-users’ emerging information needs in order to understand the potential implications early enough with respect to their data production and transformation activities. Transformers: Data users/Information producers “Transformers” deal with the preparation of “usable” information for end-users. This is done by assembling and combining data through a variety of methods and models. Their tasks are varied, ranging from simple data compilation, analysis and commentary (e.g. for the production of reports on the state of the environment) to the development and operation of large complex models to help answer specific research questions. Transformers shall be aware of end-users' needs as well as of data producers’ capabilities and provide a vital link between these two broad groups. The needs for data fall under two broad categories: - Environmental data that are domain specific (e.g. air quality, water quality, etc.). The data collection

is normally under the responsibility of specific agencies. - Non-environmental data (e.g. statistics on human activities, data on health, etc.). In this case, data

collection is not normally under the responsibility of a specific environmental agency. Specification of and details relating to the need for generic non-environmental data has generally received little attention thus far and requires action.

Data producers Data producers are concerned with data acquisition, data management, data quality, data documentation, and data distribution. They can be grouped under four broad categories relating to the use of different techniques and the nature of the institution acquiring the data: in situ observations, earth observation from

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space, statistics, basic mapping. In principle, the programmes of activity within each group are determined by users' needs. However experience with the EU GMES thematic projects has confirmed that many needs for data are not met and that substantial adjustments are necessary with respect to data production activities.

Figure 2. Production and use of data/information “cycle”

In developing GEOSS therefore, all the various users noted above need to be involved – not just by defining their information needs at the outset, as a “one-time” event, but as part of a continuing process of negotiation and dialogue in order to match data/information programs and plans to user needs. As a consequence, GEO should thus promote such dialogue and the User Requirements and Outreach subgroup should identify the best modalities taking into account existing efforts.

4. User requirements and gap analysis For a better understanding of the current status and gaps of existing inventories, each key topic needs to be analysed, based on the following main elements:

1) Target users 2) Observation parameters 3) Information, data and knowledge 4) Integration and modelling tools, with SGDU 5) Geographic parameters 6) Observing specification (accuracy, resolution, coverage) 7) Accessibility 8) Requirements for Architecture, with SGA

While it is vital to obtain information as specific as possible for any particular application or need, it is also valuable to identify commonalities and efforts made to ensure that relevant data/information can readily be linked and used collectively. This ability for data/information linkage is important since it can help to reveal unseen inconsistencies between different areas or issues as well as identify gaps. The information and data needs analysis process thus requires specific attention to identify potential common needs within and across domains, and to the possibility of combined observations activities. This last stage of work should be performed in cooperation with the Data Utilisation and Architecture subgroups.

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To conduct such analysis, the UR&O subgroup agreed to develop this activity relying on URSG member’s experience and knowledge, using as much as possible outcomes of existing inventories, e.g. IGOS-P. Members of the subgroup who agreed to lead and to support the analysis are listed in the following table: Socio-economic benefit areas Organizations/

Institutions Reducing loss of life and property from natural and human-induced disasters

ESA, PSEPC (Canada), UNESCO, CONAE (Argentina), BfG (D).

Understanding environmental factors affecting human health and well being

EPA and HHS (US)

Improving management of energy resources

TBD

Understanding, assessing, predicting, mitigating and adapting to climate variability and change

GCOS, WCRP, Spanish Bureau for climate Change (SP), KNMI (NL), INGV (I),

Improving water resource management through better understanding of the water cycle

MEXT (J), APAT (I), BfG (D), WCRP.

Improving weather information, forecasting and warning Météo France, Met office, ECMWF

Improving the management and protection of terrestrial coastal and marine ecosystems

EC, APAT(I), BfG (D).), Univ.Agr.Sc (S), UNEP, IOC

Supporting sustainable agriculture and combating desertification INGV (I), UNEP? Understanding, monitoring and conserving biodiversity Min.Ecol.Sustain. Dev.

(F), EC For each of these areas, as a starting point, five main steps to carry out the analysis have been identified: Step 1: data based on “User Needs” for each key topic can be summarized in terms of necessary measurement characteristics: such as observation accuracy, temporal/spatial resolutions, data delivery timing and spatial coverage. Attention will be paid to define common requirements for different topics and different typology of users. Step 2: identification of current status of EO systems (remotely sensed and in situ), data accessibility and EO measurement characteristics. Step 3: through comparison of data user needs and the current status, identification of gaps in geographic coverage, observing specifications, and accessibility. Step 4: identification of the means to fill the identified gaps taking into account the 10-Year Implementation Plan perspective. Step 5: Connection of the identified gaps back to the Societal Benefits and the development of the "compelling rationale" for filling these gaps.

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In most user domains there are already established international consultative processes via which definitive sets of user requirements are collected, documented, reviewed, and formally endorsed by authoritative user bodies. The status and maturity of the requirements evolves, via critical review and revision by progressively wider user groups. Observation requirements typically begin life as a draft proposal that represents the best understanding of a particular expert group. They then mature – typically over a period of several years - to the status of an established complete set of requirements that represents international consensus on the current observational needs for a specific parameter in a given domain. The WMO RRR and IGOS-P mechanisms are two well-established, but fundamentally different, examples of this process. The examples of requirements provided in Annexes I, II and III illustrate requirements at different stages of definition and review. These are drawn from Sea Surface Temperature requirements collected within Japan, the IGOS-P Atmospheric Chemistry Theme (presently under review by IGOS-P), the IGOS-P Geo-hazards theme (already approved by IGOS-P). These illustrate different methods for gathering and defining requirements. All are preliminary and subject to change. 5. Involvement of users Mechanisms need to be defined in order to achieve an effective involvement of the users in a permanent (or semi-permanent) way in order to ensure a sound and sustainable development of GEOSS during the 10-year Implementation Plan. Using the approach followed by existing observing systems, such as WMO, IGOS-P, GCOS, GOOS, etc., as well as those developed by international and national programs and organizations, the group will proceed with the methodological approach proposed in section 4. As an example, the WMO experience in setting, reviewing and updating observational data following their process called the Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR) could be used as a model. All WMO Programmes and supported programmes have ascribed to the RRR process. It has become an effective tool to assess current capabilities of a global observing system and to provide guidance for future enhancements.

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Figure 3. The RRR process set up by WMO Critical reviews, normally on an annual basis and relevant to the needs of combined satellite and in situ observing system capabilities for climate and ocean operational monitoring, are made regularly by the WMO. These reviews allow the analysis of how well satellite and in situ sensor capabilities meet the WMO user requirements in several application areas (global NWP (Numerical Weather Prediction), regional NWP, synoptic meteorology, nowcasting and very short range forecasting, seasonal to inter-annual forecasting and aeronautical meteorology) as well as defining relevant gaps and needs. Moreover, the involvement of standards organisations and certification bodies could facilitate the development of user standards. To supplement the guidance for future improvements (see above), selected users will be engaged to proceed in order to connect the enhancements back to the Societal Benefits and develop the "compelling rationale" for filling these gaps. 6. Updating of user requirements and monitoring of users satisfaction over time The needs for changes in data and information provision, access and quality are significant and concern considerably different actors and institutions. These changes cannot result from a single grand plan; rather progressive adjustments need to be made whenever opportunities occur (e.g. regular reviews of monitoring programs, establishment or renewal of observational infrastructures, etc.), but consistent with a shared aim and approach. For this approach, a distinct and common user requirements database for GEOSS should be established and maintained, building on and linking to existing user requirements databases. A tentative outline of such database is provided in annex IV. The following table shows how dialogue could be fostered and structured around a series of issues leading to “dialogue streams” between the parties concerned:

Issues Parties Note Environmental thematic data

Thematic data producers Transformers

Dialogue rather well in place in some thematic areas (see the above WMO RRR example). Needs to be systematic in all thematic areas.

Generic non-environmental data (e.g. statistics, mapping, health)

Selected transformers Selected data producers

To be developed

Update of End-users needs and assessment of users satisfaction

Selected end-users Selected transformers

To be developed. Important to get feedback on actual information uses.

Update of End-users needs and assessment of users satisfaction

National interministerial groups on data and information

To be developed. Focus on shared needs and potential for shared activities/resources.

Data needs Representatives of different territorial levels (local, regional, national, international)

To be developed. Focus on conditions for seamless data flows.

Chain of information production and use

All parties GEO Forum. Wrap up of above dialogue streams. Low frequency.

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Example of dialogue streams Specific modalities should be put in place to support the above dialogue streams in order to ensure that substantive content can be developed. In particular, any agreement relating to a programme and funding for information production or observation activities should be subject to specific conditions, such as:

• the potential interest of other parties has been assessed; • in case of large initiatives an open call for cooperation, sharing of resource and results has been

published; • end-users will be directly associated with data production initiatives; • data producers will be directly associated to information production initiatives; • results/products will pro-actively be made available.

Furthermore, the above conditions should also apply to initiatives relating to the collection of non-environmental data needed to produce environmental information. 7. Outreach To promote the widespread awareness of the benefits of comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth Observations, a continued dialogue is needed between all parties involved in information production and use, such as:

• national administrations (Ministries of Research, Environment, Industry, Agriculture, civil protection, etc.);

• scientific communities; • education, students; • operational monitoring agencies; • industry and consultancy firms; • local and regional authorities; • ODA agencies; • NGOs, public interest and advocacy groups; • opinion makers (Press, media); • the general public.

Throughout the GEOSS 10-year implementation plan, an outreach programme needs to be developed, relying on existing mechanisms and appropriate actions to reinforce them or create new structures and/or programs. Some of the main tools for outreach activities could be:

• general GEO website and national Websites; • brochure preparation for wider distribution for those countries without easy access to the web; • ad hoc publications and newsletters to reach different categories of stakeholders; • education materials for teachers and students (from school level to university); • education support (Capacity building); • organisation of special sessions or exhibits on EO system (s) at key events; • press communications strategies.

8. Towards the 10-Year implementation Plan

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The SGUR&O has provided important inputs to the identification of the societal benefit objectives agreed at GEO-3. It has further elaborated key topics to be tackled as well as examples of user requirements and outreach mechanisms. It has sketched out possible and necessary future work to complete the tasks envisaged by the TOR provided by GEO and in support of the Implementation Plan Task Team (IPTT). The following tasks outline the planned work by the UR&O Subgroup:

• continue with the user requirement and gap analysis, based on the approach developed in section 4 and through possible workshops with other Subgroups and experts to be identified;

• identify high priority requirements, based on the outcome of the user requirements and gap analysis;

• contribute to design an Outreach programme with the Capacity Building Subgroup, following the suggestions provided in section 7;

• define users involvement mechanisms, building on existing experience and mechanisms mentioned in section 5;

• contribute to identify modalities for updating user requirements and monitoring of user satisfaction over time, based on the approach sketched in section 6;

• contribute to define the milestones, reporting and review process to adequately monitor during the 10-year implementation period the actions and activities relevant to user requirements and outreach.

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ANNEXES The examples of requirements provided in Annexes I, II and III illustrate requirements at different stages of definition and review. These are drawn from Sea Surface Temperature requirements collected within Japan, the IGOS-P Atmospheric Chemistry Theme (presently under review by IGOS-P), the IGOS-P Geo-hazards theme (already approved by IGOS-P). As such, these illustrate different methods for gathering and defining requirements. All are preliminary and subject to change. See also section 4 of this report

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ANNEX I Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Step 1. Data “User Needs” for each key topic could be summarized in terms of necessary SST measurement characteristics, such as observation accuracy, temporal/spatial resolutions, data delivery timing and spatial coverage. Data User needs Societal issues/potential benefits

Accuracy Temporal res.

Time-delay

Horizontal res.

Vertical res. Coverage

Improving manag. and protect. of terrestrial coastal and marine ecosys.

Inshore fishery 0.5 ˚C 6 hour 6 hour 50 km grid N/A 500 km around

Improving water resource manag. through better understand. of water cycle

Water resource management 0.05 ˚C 1 day 1 day 300 km grid N/A Global

Seasonal atmospheric environment

0. 5 ˚C 10 days 10 day 300 km grid N/A Global

Improving weather information, forecasting and warning

Weather forecast 0.5 ˚C 1 hour 1 hour 50 km grid N/A Global


Understanding of global warming

0.05 ˚C 5 year 60 days 500 km grid N/A Global

Model research 0.05 ˚C 1 day 30 days 300 km grid N/A* Global

* Non Available . Table I.1.a Example of user needs for SST SST : Examples for combination of needs

Accuracy Temporal res.

Time-delay

Horizontal res.

Vertical res. Coverage

Needs 1 0.5 ˚C 1 hour 1 hour 50 km grid N/A 3000 km around

Needs 2 0.05 ˚C 1 day 1 day 300 km grid N/A Global Needs 3* 0.05 ˚C 30 days 30

days 500 km grid N/A Global

* Needs 3 could be covered by Needs 2 Table I.1.b. Common requirements

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Step 2: inventory of current EO systems, data accessibility and data specifications Status of current observation Operational observation: - in situ observation by each national oceanographic agency over specific areas, such as in seas close to Japan, and near Europe and U.S., is available. - satellite observation, such as geostationary meteorological satellites (GMSs), operational polar orbital meteorological satellites (NOAA), is available. Satellite sensors : Visible infrared (VIS-IR) sensors (GMSs, NOAA/AVHRR, TRMM/VIRS, Terra/MODIS, Aqua/MODIS, etc.), microwave radiometers (TRMM/TMI, Aqua/AMSR-E). in situ measurements: Mooring buoys (TAO/TRITON, PIRATA, NDBC, etc.), drifting buoys (ARGO, etc.), ships (research vessels, volunteer observing ships), coastal tide level observations. Other observation (airplane, etc.): N/A

Table I.2.a Current EO observation Data Accessibility

International observation network/system: WWW, GCOS, GOOS, JCOMM, ARGO, CEOS International data center: Networks between each national marine data center and the World Data Center under the framework of IODE.

Table I.2.b. Current data accessibility Measurement specification (* means temporal resolution regarding influence of cloudy condition)

Accuracy Obs. frequency Currency Horizontal

Res. Vertical Res. Coverage

Tropical Moored buoy 0.1 ˚C 1 hour 3 hours 200-1000

km N/A Tropics

Drifting buoy 0.1 ˚C 1 hour 3 hours 500 km N/A Global Profiling float 0.01° C 10 days 12 hours 300 km N/A Global

Ship 0.1-0.3 ˚C 30 days 1 day 50 km N/A Ship route

VIS-IR (GMS) 0.7 ˚C 1 hour (*7 days) 1 hour 5 km N/A Global (exc.

polar) VIS-IR (polar orbital) 0.7 ˚C 3 days (*7

days) 3-6 hours 0.3-1 km N/A Global

Microwave (polar orbital) 0.7 ˚C 3 days 3-6 hours 25 km N/A Global

Products (raw, grid, etc.) Grid products analysis of historical data (in situ observation), objective analysis, satellite data, combined satellites and in situ data. Standardization For in situ observation, national calibration center and inter-comparison between different centers. For satellite observation, sensor calibration and comparison with mooring buoys, which have good accuracy.

Table I.2.c Data specifications

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Step 3: Example of gaps including lacks and insufficiencies for SST.

Geographical gaps Lack of in situ observation in the southern hemisphere (especially for south-east Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean). Satellite observation: - visible infrared sensor: whole globe could be covered by, but cloud cover could avoid SST

acquisition. - Space-borne microwave radiometer: acquisition by all weather conditions but coverage limited

to satellite orbit. Table I.3.a - Geographical gaps

Observing specification gaps (accuracy, resolution, coverage) Needs 1: Visible infrared sensors carried by the geostationary meteorological satellites Accuracy of observation is insufficient. Frequency of observation is sufficient, but insufficient for cloudy regions and/or seasons. Capacity of data delivery is sufficient. Horizontal resolution is sufficient. Spatial coverage is sufficient except for polar region. [NOTE] To complete influence by clouds, combined use of drifting buoy network and space-borne microwave radiometer is needed. Needs 2: Networks of drifting buoys and tropical mooring buoys (TAO/TRITON, PIRATA)] Accuracy of observation is sufficient. Frequency of observation is insufficient, except for tropical Pacific and Atlantic. Capacity of data delivery is sufficient. Horizontal resolution is sufficient. Spatial coverage is insufficient under the existing conditions. [NOTE] Global network of drifting buoys is at a level of 70% of the required number at the moment. Combined use of satellite and drafting buoy data is needed Needs 3: Networks of drifting buoys and tropical mooring buoys (TAO/TRITON, PIRATA), and ships Accuracy of observation is sufficient for drifting and mooring buoys. Frequency of observation is sufficient. Capacity of data delivery is sufficient. Horizontal resolution is sufficient. Spatial coverage is insufficient, and areas with no observations exist. [NOTE] Global network of drifting buoys is at a level of 70% of the required number at the moment. Combined use of satellite and drifting buoy data is needed.

Table I.3.b EO gaps in term of accuracy, resolution and spatial coverage

Accessibility gaps - IODE related organizations (in situ, past data), WMO related agencies (satellite and in situ

data, partly available in real-time), space agencies (satellite data, partly available in real-time). Available via Internet or medias (offline), except for data transmitted through WWW/GTS in real-time.

- Current system has not enough capacity for huge data, such as high resolution satellite data and combined data set of satellites and in situ observations.

Table 1.3.c- gaps in term of data accessibility

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Step 4: Examples of means to be maintained or put in place for improving SST measurements.

Challenges: Maintenance and enhancement of existing observing systems - Temporal consistency for historical data and new data (e.g., satellite) - Development of data correction system using observations, which are sufficient in their

accuracy and capacity of data delivery. - Development of data correction system to improve temporal resolution. - Production of high frequency, high resolution and high accuracy data set by combined use of

multi-sensors (satellites, in-situ). Enhancement of in situ observation over the areas with geographical gaps (review and analysis of buoy network)

Operation by combined use of polar orbital satellites (VIS-IR, microwave radiometer) and new geostationary satellites which has high accuracy.

Operation of multiple space-borne microwave radiometers, which have high spatial resolutions. etc.

•

•

•

• •

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ANNEX II Integrated Global Atmospheric Composition Observing and Forecasting System IGOS-IGACO)

User requirements developed by the IGOS-Partnership IGACO (Integrated Global Observing Strategy Partnership for Integrated Global Atmospheric Chemistry Observations) are presented here. The status of this specification is preliminary and awaits approval by the IGOS-Partnership in May 2004. It should be seen as an example of the level of detail required in the Implementation Plan for the specification for an Atmospheric Composition Observation element of the proposed GEOSS System of Systems. Other initiatives are proceeding along similar lines, for example, user requirements are developed under some EC RTD projects, ESA projects and national projects. The need for Atmospheric Composition information The atmosphere, like the other components of the Earth System, is affected by the continuous increase in human population and activity, which have resulted in a variety of remarkable changes since the industrial revolution of the 19th century. Among these are:

• the global decrease in stratospheric ozone and the attendant increase in surface ultraviolet radiation, emphasised by the "ozone hole" appearing over the Antarctic,

• the occurrence of summer smog over most cities in the world, including the developing countries, and the increased ozone background in the northern troposphere,

• the increase in greenhouse gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, • acid rain and the eutrophication of surface waters and other natural ecosystems by nitrate

deposited from the atmosphere, • enhanced aerosol and photo-oxidant levels due to biomass burning and other agricultural activity • the increase in fine particles in regions of industrial development and population growth with an

attendant reduction in visibility and an increase in human health effects, and • the appearance of fine particles in regions far from industrial activity (Arctic Haze).

Many of these changes in atmospheric composition have socio-economic consequences through adverse effects on human and ecosystem health, on water supply and quality and on crop growth. A variety of abatement measures have been introduced or are being considered to reduce the effects. However, continued growth in human activities to expand economies and to alleviate poverty, will ensure that these effects continue to be important for the foreseeable future. Relevance to GEOSS objectives IGOS-IGACO addresses a number of societal issues and potential benefits of GEOSS as shown in the Table below. Reference is made to the specific areas in Atmospheric Composition that are relevant to these objectives. IGACO has grouped Atmospheric Composition into four major areas:

• Air Quality: The globalisation of Air Pollution • Oxidation capacity: The atmosphere as a waste processor • Ozone depletion: The Stratospheric ozone shield • Climate: The coupling between Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate

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Societal issues and potential benefits (as defined in section 2)

Relevant areas in Atmospheric Composition (as listed in section 4)

Understanding environmental factors affecting human health and well being

Air quality, UV,

Improving management of energy resources Air quality


• Atmospheric composition parameters, (e.g. carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, aerosols,etc).

• Emission, sinks of trace gases, chemical conversions, solar radiation, UV radiation.

• Meteorological parameters (e.g. air temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, clouds, etc

Improving weather information, forecasting and warning

Meteorological parameters

Improving the management and protection of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems

Water Eutrophication

IGACO Strategy For a maximum functionality the global observation system proposed by IGACO should include the following four components:

• Networks of ground-based instrumentation, including balloon sondes, millimetre wave radiometers, lidars, UV-Visible and FTIR spectrometers, to measure ground concentrations and vertical profiles of the principal chemical species, aerosols and ancillary parameters, together with UV radiation, on a regular basis.

Such requirement implies that the current network needs to be maintained and expanded to fill critical gaps in coverage.

• Regular aircraft-based measurements for chemical and aerosol measurements in the troposphere and particularly in the Upper Troposphere/Lower Stratosphere (UT/LS), which is sensitive to chemical and climate changes. The current fleet needs to be expanded with respect to instrumentation and global coverage and to include regional aircraft that monitor the lower to middle troposphere. Routine measurements in the lower to middle troposphere using non-commercial light aircraft could be a useful part of the system.

• Satellite-based instrumentation, preferably mounted on a combination of Geo-stationary and Low Earth orbiting satellites: 4 Geo-stationary and 2 Low Earth orbit satellites would be the minimum to fulfil the IGACO requirements. If only Low Earth orbit satellites are an option, many more would be needed in order to achieve the temporal and spatial resolution required for sufficient coverage in data assimilation using atmospheric models. Attention should also be paid to (infrared) measurements in the dark atmosphere in order to capture the full diurnal cycle.

• A comprehensive data modelling system capable of combining the data for the chemical species, aerosols and ancillary parameters obtained from the three measurement components into a comprehensive global picture. Assimilation techniques for chemical species other than ozone are still in the demonstration phase and need to be developed into operational procedures, which will require the development of physical and chemical parameterisations.

Other essential parts of the IGACO global observation system include a data collection, integration and analysis system and an overall requirement for end-to-end quality assurance and quality control.

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IGACO Approach A stepped approach is followed, similar to the approach laid out in UR&O GEO section 5, first identifying the user needs, then translate these needs into observational requirements, find out how these requirements are met by existing and planned observation systems, identify gaps in the current and planned observational capability and propose solutions to fill these gaps. IGACO Observational Requirements Two groups of observables are defined; Group 1 that can be measured by the present day observation capability, Group 2 that requires enhanced observation and modelling capability which can be realized in 10 years time, provided work is started now. The Group 1 observables include O3, H2O, CO2, CO, CH4, NO2, BrO, CFC’s, aerosol optical properties. Group 2 observables include SO2, HCHO, C2H6, HNO3, NO, ClONO2, ClO, OClO, HCl, CH3Br, and the halons. Targeted observables are listed in Tables 1a and 1b. The specific observational requirements in terms of spatial and temporal resolution, accuracy and timeliness of data delivery of the observables in Group 1 and 2 are listed in Tables 2a and 2b. Table 1a Targeted variables and relevant application areas in Global Atmospheric Composition Observations to which they refer.

Targeted Variables IGACO

&

Group 2

CH4

active halogens: ClO, OClOreservoir species: HCl, ClONO2sources: CH Br, , CFC-11,

SO2

active nitrogen: NOx = NO+NO2reservoir species: HNO3

C2H6

HCHO

UV-B j(O3)UV-A j(NO2)

Stratospheric Ozone

Depletion

ClimateOxidation Capacity

Air Quality

Chemical species

Group 1

CO2

aerosol optical properties

BrO,

3 CFC-12HCFC-22

H2O (water vapour)

COO3

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Table 1b Critical ancillary variables and relevant application areas in Global Atmospheric Composition Observations.

CriticalAncillaryVariables

IGACOAlbedo

Cloud Coverage

Cloud Top Height

Solar RadiationFire Occurrence

Lightning Flash Frequency

Wind Speed (u,v,w)

PT

Stratospheric Ozone

Depletion

ClimateOxidation Capacity

Air Quality

Ancillary Variables

Table 2a. Specification of Group 1 observational requirements (threshold/target) for an Integrated Global Atmospheric Composition Observation system.

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INTEGRATED GLOBAL ATMOSPHERIC

Atmospheric species in Group 1 to be measured by an integrated global observing system Atmospheric region Requirement Unit H2O O3 CH4 CO2 CO NO2 BrO ClO HCl CFC-12

1 ∆x km 5/25 <5/50 10/50 10/500 10/250 10/250 50 Lower ∆z km 0.1/1 0.5/2 2/3 0.5/2 0.5/2 0.5/3 2

troposphere ∆t 1 hr 1 hr 2 hr 2 hr 2 hr 1 hr 1 hr 10 d precision % 1/10 3/20 1/5 0.2/1 1/20 10/30 10 2* trueness % 2/15 5/20 2/10 1/2 2/25 15/40 15 4* delay (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1) (2)

2 ∆x km 20/100 10/100 50/250 50/500 10/250 30/250 ∆z km 0.5/2 0.5/2 2/4 1/2 1/4 0.5/3 Upper

troposphere ∆t 1 hr 1 hr 2 hr 2 hr 2 hr 1 hr precision % 2/20 3/20 1/10 0.5/2 1/20 10/30 N/R trueness % 2/20 5/30 2/20 1/2 2/25 15/40 N/R delay (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)

3 ∆x km 50/200 50/100 50/250 250/500 50/250 30/250 100 100 50/250 1000 ∆z km 1/3 0.5/3 2/4 1/4 2/5 1/4 1 1 1/4 Lower

stratosphere ∆t 1 d 1 d 6-12 hr 1 d 1 d 6-12 hr 6 hr 6 hr 6-12 hr 10 d precision % 5/20 3/15 2/20 1/2 5/15 10/30 10 10 5/10 6 trueness % 5/20 5/20 5/30 1/2 10/25 15/40 15 15 15 15 delay (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (2)/(3) (2)/(3) (1) (2) (2)

4 ∆x km 50/200 50/100 50/250 250/500 100/500 30/250 100 100 50/250 ∆z km 2/5 0.5/3 2/4 2/4 3/10 1/4 1 1 1/4 Upper

stratosphere, ∆t 1 d 1 d 1 d 1 d 1 d 1 d 1 d 1 d 1 d mesosphere precision % 5/20 3/15 2/4 1/2 10/20 10/30 10 10 5/10

trueness % 5/20 5/20 5/30 1/2 10/25 15/40 20 20 15 delay (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (2)/(3) (2)/(3) (1)/(2) (2) (2)

5 ∆x km 50/200 10/50 10/250 50/500 10/250 30/250 100 100 30/250 1000 ∆t 1 d 1 d 12 hr 1 d 1 d 12 hr 12 hr 12 hr 6-12 10 d Total

column precision % 0.5/2 1/5 1/5 0.5/1 1/10 1/10 10 10 4 4 trueness % 1/3 2/5 2/10 1/2 2/20 2/20 15 15 6 10 delay (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (2)/(3) (1)/(2) (1) (2)

∆x km 10/200 10/50 10/50 10/500 10/250 10/250 25 1000 6 Tropospheric ∆t 1 hr 1 hr 2 hr 2 hr 2 hr 1 hr 1 hr 10 d

column precision % 0.5/2 5/15 1/5 0.5/1 2/20 1/10 4 trueness % 1/3 5/15 2/10 1/2 5/25 2/10 10 delay (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)/(2) (1)

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Table 2b Specification of Group 2 observational requirements (threshold/target) for an Integrated Global Atmospheric Composition Observation system.

INTEGRATED GLOBAL ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY OBSERVATIONS (IGACO) - 15 -

Atmospheric species in Group 2 to be measured by an integrated global observing system

Atmospheric region Requirement Unit NO HNO3 C2H6 CH3Br Halons HCFC-22 ClONO2 HCHO SO2 UVA JNO2 UVB JO3

1 ∆x km 10/250 10/250 50 500* 1 1 ∆z km 0.5/3 1/3 ? 2-5 2-5 2-5 ∆t 1 hr 1 d 1 hr 10 d 10 d 10 d 1 hr 1 hr 1 hr

Lower troposphere

precision % 10/30 10/30 10 4* 15* 2* 10 5 7/10* trueness % 15/40 15/40 15 8* 20* 4* 15 10 15* delay (1) (1)/(2) (1) (1)

2 ∆x km 30/250 10/250 50 N/R N/R N/R 10 10 50/500 ∆z km 0.5/3 1/3 2 0.5 0.5 3** Upper

troposphere ∆t 1 hr 1 d 1 hr 10 d 10 d 10 d 1 hr 1 hr precision % 10/30 10/30 10 N/R N/R N/R 10 5 10 trueness % 15/40 15/40 15 N/R N/R N/R 15 10 15 delay (1) (1)/(2) (1) (1)

3 ∆x km 30/250 50/250 500 500 1000 50/250 N/A ∆z km 1/4 1/4 5 5 5 1/4 Lower

stratosphere ∆t 12 hr 12 hr 3 d 3 d 3 d 6-12 hr precision % 10/30 10/30 4 4 8 20 trueness % 15/40 15/40 8 8 15 30 delay (1) (1)/(2)

4 ∆x km 30/250 50/250 50/250 ∆z km 1/40.5 1/4 2/6 Upper

stratosphere, ∆t 1 d 1 d 1 d mesosphere precision % 10/30 10/30 20

trueness % 15/40 15/40 30 delay (1)/(2) (2)/(3)

∆x km 30/250 30/250 50 1000 30/250 50 5 Total ∆t 1 d 1 d 1 hr 10 d 6-12 hr 1 hr

column precision % 1/10 1/10 1 5 20 1 trueness % 2/20 2/20 2 15 30 2 delay (1) (2)/(3) (2)

∆x km 10/250 10/250 1000 1000 1000 6 Tropospheric ∆t 1 hr 1 d 10 d 10 d 10 d

column precision % 1/101 1/10 4 4 6 trueness % 2/20 2/20 8 8 15 delay (1) (1)/(2)

Toward a 10 year implementation plan of an Integrated Global Atmospheric Composition Observation System. The implementation plan formulated by IGACO consists of two phases. Phase 1 which can be implemented now, using existing observation capabilities, adding provisions for continuity in the ground based and the airborne observation networks. For airborne measurements, an instrument development programme is proposed to better adapt existing instrumentation to the operational environment prevailing in commercial aircraft. Modelling work should include development of data assimilation and inverse modelling techniques. Phase 1 also includes work to start immediately on the definition and development of satellite systems needed to become operational in phase 2. This satellite system should include a Geo-stationary component to complement the existing Low-Earth orbiting satellite component. The Geo-Stationary component is needed to fulfil the Air Quality user requirements. Also, a new Low orbit satellite component is needed to fulfil the climate change user requirements by providing height resolved measurements of the upper troposphere and the lower stratosphere. A set of recommendations has been formulated by IGACO underlying this implementation plan:

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GR1 Establishment: An Integrated Global Atmospheric Chemistry Observation System (IGACO) should be established for a target list of atmospheric chemistry variables and ancillary meteorological data.

Earth Observations quality improvements GR2 Continuity: The data products from satellite and non-satellite instruments that are to be integrated

into a global picture by IGACO must have assured long term continuity GR3 Gaps in observational coverage: for each target species and variable, the present gaps in the

current spatial and temporal coverage need to be filled by extending the existing measurement systems.

GR3 Long term ground validation of satellite observations: in order to ensure consistency over time and the accuracy of a satellite measurement, sustained quality assurance measures, over the entire lifetime of a series of satellite observations, is essential.

GR5 Validation of vertical profile data from satellite observations: A set of high performance scientific instruments using ground, aircraft and balloon platforms, possibly operated on campaign basis, must be maintained to provide the crucial validation data.

GR7 Comparability: The ability to merge observations of different types must be ensured by insisting that appropriate routine calibration and comparison activities linking diverse measurements together are part of an individual measurement.

Data management and distribution improvement GR3 Management of IGACO: The responsibility for the co-ordination and implementation of the

IGACO should rest with a single international body. International and national agencies responsible for aspects of IGACO should be committed partners and agree on their appropriate responsibilities.

GR8 Distribution of data: universally recognised distribution protocols for exchange of data on atmospheric chemical constituents need to be established.

GR9 Multi-stakeholder network of World Integrated Data Archive Centres (WIDAC) should be established for the targeted chemical variables.

GR10 Establish storage for raw data so that it can be re-interpreted as models and the understanding improves.

Scientific knowledge improvement GR11 Development of comprehensive chemical modules in weather and climate models with

appropriate data assimilation should be an integral part of the IGACO system. GR12 Development of further interpretative approaches for the experimental data. GR13 Strong coordination with the meteorological services is essential for the ancillary

meteorological data, required by IGACO, to be accessible. Funding GR14 The scientific research needed to realise IGACO should be funded as soon as possible.

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ANNEX III Geohazards

(from the IGOS Geohazards Theme Team) The impact of geological and related geophysical hazards on society is enormous. Every year volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and subsidence claim thousands of lives and injure thousands more. They are one of the main natural causes of damage to human settlements and infrastructures. They severely disrupt the economic life of many societies. As human population increases, habitation on hazardous land becomes more common and the risks posed by these hazards increase. Developed countries are affected, but the impact is highest in the developing world. The need to better observe the behavior of these hazards, understand them and mitigate their effects becomes ever more urgent. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) recognised that systematic, joint international observations form the basis for all nations to improve their preparations for, and mitigation against, these hazards with the ultimate goal, over the next decade, to integrate disparate, multidisciplinary, and applied geohazards research into global, operational observation systems by filling gaps in organization, observation and knowledge. The strategic objectives are to build a global capacity to better deal with geohazards, deliver the necessary observations, improve the integration of data and systems, and promote the adoption of best practice worldwide. The starting point is to identify those who will benefit from the strategy, its main users, and other stakeholders with significant roles to play. The ultimate beneficiaries are the citizens affected by the hazards, who want to know what will happen, where, when, how and for how long. Responsible authorities need information about geohazards in order to attempt to answer these questions. Monitoring services and information providers need basic observations to integrate into useful information products that address these issues. This process is based on current understanding, but researchers need the same data in order to increase our knowledge about how these hazards behave. All of these users, therefore, depend on the agencies making the critical observations and each has needs that the strategy must address. The overall strategy must therefore respond adequately to the common needs of the three user groups: Responsible Authorities, who require information to manage the geohazards on a day-to-day basis,

to issue public alerts and to make ongoing assessments of evolving hazards. Monitoring and Advisory Agencies who must provide the primary information products that

support the decisions made by the responsible authorities. Research Scientists who conduct research that will improve our understanding of the geohazards,

our ability to mitigate their effects and our capacity to forecast events. Depending on the degree of immediacy of the geohazards, the user needs can be classified in: Needs for “crisis” response, principally related to monitoring activities and generally requiring

information with very high temporal resolution and short time delays. Needs for hazard assessment and mitigation, related to long-term activities and requiring the same

observations but with very different time resolution, accuracy and ground resolution (ranging from regional as in the case of earthquakes to local as for landslides)

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Step 1. “User Needs” All user needs are related to the societal issue “Reducing loss of life and property from natural and human-induced disasters”.

Information needs for earthquake hazards management Type of User Needs for crisis response Needs for hazard mitigation

Responsible Authorities (“end-users”)

Clear, authoritative information on the location and magnitude of the shock and the timeframe (in days) of aftershocks. Post-event maps (shake maps, damaged/ affected areas, identification of safe areas).

Hazard zonation maps (in paper maps or GIS databases). Maps for various secondary effects of seismic hazards (landslides, liquefaction etc.). Ultimate need: reliable prediction of events.

Scientists in monitoring and advisory agencies

All data available, in as near to real-time as possible, on the following in particular: seismicity, intensity, strain, DEMs, soil type, moisture conditions, infrastructure and population.

Compilation of seismic archives. Base maps (geological, soil, active faults, hydrological, DEMs) and conceptual models. Monitoring of post-seismic events to identify fault geometry. Continuous monitoring of deformation, seismicity and other geophysical and geochemical parameters.

Research Scientists

All data relevant to their research, collected in real time but accessed when needed. Feedback on performance of models and scenarios.

Same as above. Feedback on the performance of conceptual models etc.

Table III.1.a. Information Needs for Earthquake Geohazards Management

Information needs for volcanic hazards management Type of User Needs for crisis response Needs for hazard mitigation


Clear, authoritative information on most likely course of the unrest/eruption. Timely updates are critical. Best guesses on when and what type of eruption, possible size, which areas will be affected and where will be safe.

Hazard zonation maps (in paper maps or GIS databases) showing areas of lower vs. higher risk, for future eruptions. Maps for the various major hazards (lava flows, lahars, ash fall, etc.) are required.


All monitoring data relevant to their hazard (seismic, deformation, thermal and gas in particular), collected in real time but accessed when needed. Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and mathematical models to help predict distribution of pyroclastic or lava flows, or lahars, so as to identify both areas of high risk and safe areas.

Base maps and DEMs. Maps showing the distribution of all young volcanic deposits, with dates, to determine type, size and recurrence intervals of eruptions over significant time (10,000 years or more). 3D models of volcano structure. Monitoring of deformation, seismicity and other geophysical and geochemical parameters. Continuity of observation of all related geophysical and geochemical data.

Research All data relevant to their research, Same as above, if research involves

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scientists collected in real time but accessed when needed. Feedback on the performance of models and scenarios.

detailed geologic mapping of young volcanoes. Feedback on the performance of conceptual models etc.

Table III.1.b. Information Needs for Volcanic Geohazards Management

Information needs for ground instability hazard information Type of User Needs for crisis response Needs for hazard mitigation


Updated maps of affected areas and scenarios for ongoing instability Early warning information.

Regularly updated inventory, susceptibility and hazard zonation maps: landslides, debris flows, rockfalls, subsidence (at scales as appropriate). Ground instability scenarios. Land use planning and enforcement information.


Local rapid mapping of affected areas, magnitude of instability, updated scenarios during ongoing instability, impact analysis. Near real-time observational tools. As for mitigation, plus seismic data, weather forecasts.

Data on landslide inventory, DEM, deformation (to the ground and critical infrastructure), hydrology, geology, soils, geophysical, geotechnical, climatic, seismic zonation maps, land cover, land use, historical archives, relevant human activities (at scales as appropriate). Regular and consistent observations. Methods and models for susceptibility and hazard evaluation. Data from well-observed past events.

Research Scientists

As for mitigation. Feedback on performance of scenarios and models.

Continuity of observations, appropriate data as above for understanding processes and for development of models and observational tools. Access to other scientific information. Data from well-observed past events

Table III.1.c. Information Needs for Ground Instability Geohazards Management

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The following table provides an overview of the space-based observational requirements as derived from the information needs expressed by the Geohazards user communities.

Earthquakes Observational Needs

Global observation Component observed Spatial Sampling Frequency

Temporal Sampling Frequency

Sea temperature (°C) 10 km - 100 km 1 hr - 1 day Soil moisture (RHU) 1 km - 10 km 1 hr - 1 day Surface Temperature (C°) 1 km - 5 km Continuous Characterize thermal

signature Near Surface Earth TIR

emitted radiance [Brightness Temperature]

1 km - 10 km 1 hr - 1 day

Topography 10 m - 100 m 1 year - 5 years Characterise topography and deformation Displacement rate (cm/year) 5 km - 100 Km continuous - 1 week

Infrastructures at risk 10 m - 100 m 1 years - 5 years Risk mapping Landcover [classification] 10 m - 100 m monthly - 5 years

Characterise Seismicity Geological information [classification]

10 m - 100 m 5 years - 10 years

Conductive Heath Flux (mW/m2)

1 Km - 10 km continuous (average) – 1 day

Convective Heath Flux (mW/m2)

0.1 Km - 1 Km continuous (average) – 1 day

Gravity (mgal) 10 km - 100 Km 1 hr - 1 week Magnetic field (nT) (0-100 MHz)

10 km - 100 Km continuous

Sea level (cm) 100 km - 500 km 1 hr - 1 day Monitor geophysical characteristics of the deformation

Total Electronic Content (TEC units), Ion density and temperature in F-layer (180-300 km), EM atmospheric signals and pulses (VLF, HF, LF), Oxygen luminescence of E layer of ionosphere at 5577A and 6300A, Gravity waves.

10 Km - 50 Km 1 day - 1 week

Table III.1.d. Observational Needs for Earthquake Geohazards Management

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Ground Instabilities Earthquakes Observational Needs



Characterize and monitor thermal features

Soil moisture (RHU) 1 m - 500 m 1 hr - 1 day

Characterize Climate Trigger

Temperature 1 Km - 5 Km continuous - 1 day

Fissures/ cracks/ faults opening (m)

10 m - 100 m continuous - monthly Characterize deformation Surface deformation 1 m - 3 m continuous - 1 day

Characterize deformation / Characterize topography

Geology >1 m - 100 m 1 year - years

Characterize deformation and monitor geophyisical properties

Fissures/ cracks/ faults widening (cm/day)

10 m - 100 m continuous - monthly

Characterize topography Topography 3 m - 10 m 1 month - 1 year Faults 3m - 20 m - 1 year Geology 10 m - 100m years Geomorphology 1 m - 10 m 1 week - year Hydrology 50m - 1 km seasonal - years landuse 3 m - 50 m - Surface roughness 5 m - 20 m -

Base Maps

Vegetation 3 m - 50 m - Map / Characterize seismicity

Tectonics 100 m - 1 km years

Table III.1.e. Observational Needs for Ground Instability Geohazards Management

Volcanoes Observational Needs



infrastructures 10 m - 1 km 1 years - 5 years Risk mapping Landcover [classification] 10 m - 100 m monthly - 1 Year

Earth MIR-TIR emitted radiance [Brightness Temperature]

100 m - 1 km 1 hr - 1 day

Lava flows [relative error] 30 m - 1 km 1 hr - day Sea level (cm) 10 km - 50 km 1 hr - 1 day Sea temperature (°C) 1 km - 10 km 1 hr - 1 day Snow/ice cover 30 - 1 km day - week Soil moisture (RHU) 1 km - 5 km 1 hr - 1 day Surface Temperature (C°) 1 km - 5 km continuous Thermal Anomaly Pre-eruptive [relative error]

50 m - 100 m day - week

Characterize and monitor thermal features

Thermal Anomaly Transient [relative error]

30 m - 1 km 10 sec - 1 day

Characterize deformation and monitor geophysical

Conductive Heath Flux (mW/m2)

1 Km - 5 km continuous (average) - 1 day

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Volcanoes Observational Needs



Convective Heath Flux (mW/m2)

0.1 Km - 1 Km continuous (average) - 1 day

Fissures/ cracks/ faults opening (m)

10 m - 100 m continuous - 1 day

Fissures/ cracks/ faults widening (cm/day)

10 m - 100 m continuous - sporadic

Gravity (mgal) 1 km - 5 km 1 hr - 1 week Ground displacement (mm) - 1 Km continuous - 1 week Magnetic field (nT) (0-100 MHz)

1 Km - 5 km continuous

properties.

Seismo Acoustic Emission (25 kHz or 200 kHz) [sensitivity in arb. units]

1 km - 5 km continuous

Characterize eruptive style and history

Geological information [classification]

10 m - 100 m 1 month – 1 Year

Ash Cloud 100 m - 3 km 15 min – 30 min Ash Cloud Top Height (Km) 100 m - 3 km 15 min - 2 hr Ash Column Density (ton/Km2)

100 m - 3 km 15 min - 2 hr

Atmospheric Humidity Vertical Profiles

5 km - 50 Km - 1 day

Atmospheric Temperature Vertical profiles

5 km - 50 Km - 1 day

SO2 Cloud Stratospheric 10 km - 20 km day – month SO2 Cloud Tropospheric 1 km - 3 km 15 min - 2 hr SO2 total columnar content (DU)

1 km - 3 km 15 min - 2 hr

Characterize gas and ash emissions

Wind speed 5 km - 50 Km - 1 day Characterize topography Topography 1 m - 100 m 1 day - 1 month Map Ash cover (at ground) 30 m - 1 km day – week Table III.1.f. Observational Needs for Volcanic Geohazards Management

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Step 2: Inventory of current EO systems, data accessibility and data specifications Status of current observation Operational observation: • in situ observation over known geohazard areas by observatories and national agencies on a

systematic basis • satellite observation, from scientific and commercial satellites are available.

Satellite sensors : Visible to Thermal Infrared, Radar (band C)

in situ measurements: Seismic and GPS networks or stations, other observations at a local scale, depending on the geohazard characteristics. Other observation (airplane, etc.): At a local to regional level

Table III.2.a. Current EO observations Data Accessibility International observation network/system: Space observations: CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites), EROS Data Center Seismic networks: GSN (Global Seismic Network), NEIC (National Earthquake Information Center), IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology) Volcanologic Networks: WOVO (World Organisation of Volcanic Observatories), GPS Networks: IGS (International GPS Service), SCIGN (Southern California Integrated GPS Network), GEONET (GPS Earth Observation Network), NAVSTAR (US) Other networks: ITRS (International Terrestrial Reference System)

Table III.2.b. Current data accessibility Step 3: Example of gaps

Geographical gaps Needs 1: There are fundamental inadequacies in the baseline mapping of the geohazards with respect to hazard inventories and geoscience maps. In contrast to volcanoes and earthquakes, where regional-scale hazard maps generally exist, comparable maps for the various types of ground instability are lacking in many regions. Landslide inventories and subsidence histories must be constructed for all affected regions. Adequate geological and soils maps, at appropriate scales, do not exist for many volcanoes, seismic zones and unstable regions around the world. Filling these gaps will be labour-intensive, require the funding of appropriate mapping projects and occupy many experienced geoscientists. Projects designed to produce appropriate maps should also aim to provide accessible, GIS-ready, digital maps. Needs 2: High-density networks needed for hazards monitoring exist only locally. A major challenge for the integration of local GPS data globally, and the integration of GPS data with older, heritage deformation data sets, is a lack of standard formats and established archives, plus limited accessibility for the different kinds of deformation data.

Table III.3.a. Geographical gaps

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Observing specification gaps (accuracy, resolution, coverage) Needs 1: Due to the success of ERS-1/2 and RADARSAT-1, there is already a 12-year archive containing more than a million SAR scenes. ENVISAT ASAR is providing some C-band continuity, but this science-based, multi-instrument mission cannot be considered operational for InSAR. C-band provides a reasonable compromise for many ground motion mapping applications, as its coherence-limitations have to be weighed against the remarkable ground motion resolution that can be attained. C-band is particularly suited to the analysis of high-coherence, built environments where these hazards pose the highest risk. The long archive is of unique value as it means there is a database of persistently-reflecting ground features that can be used in the future with C-band. This database must be continued, if the value of the C-band archive is to be fully realised and the return on the existing investment in observing systems maximised. Needs 2: The longer wavelength of L-band is more able to penetrate vegetation and so measure the ground surface. It therefore provides much improved coherence levels over vegetated areas, compared to C-band. Many features of interest to the Geohazards community (e.g. volcanoes, earthquake zones, landslide regions) lie outside built environments and are heavily vegetated, preventing their reliable analysis using C-band even at the maximum rate of acquisition. For reliable ground motion monitoring of such phenomena in vegetated regions, an L-band SAR is preferable. Again, to maximise the long-term return on such an investment and generate an archive that is of comparable value to that which already exists for C-band, a new L-band system must have a planned continuity of operation lasting well into future decades. Needs 3: The ASTER sensor is the first EO system designed by geoscientists specifically for geoscience applications. It provides potential solutions to the requirement for topographic datasets and it also delivers multispectral short wave infrared and thermal infrared data that can be used for many geoscience mapping and monitoring applications. In particular, it provides the best resolution currently available for temperature observations over volcanic hazards. The advances that resulted from ASTER must now be consolidated and secured to support future Geohazard observations. Given the uncertainty surrounding Landsat, this would also be one way to ensure continuity of visible, near, shortwave and thermal infrared data, to complement the continuity already enjoyed for C-band SAR.

Needs 4: Lack of Topographic datasets: the global coverage of topographic data at sufficiently high spatial resolution is currently inadequate. DEMs are essential input for interferometric processing, and they provide a critical basis for all geohazard mapping and modelling. There are large parts of the globe for which the scale of DEM required by the science is not currently available.

Needs 5: Many urban areas in high-risk seismic zones have inadequate local monitoring, plus inadequate building and land-use planning practices. For volcanoes the key issue is the provision of adequate seismic networks at all hazardous volcanoes sited in populated areas. Experience at well-monitored sites has shown that six seismometers provide a minimally adequate network for one volcano, but many hazardous volcanoes are inadequately monitored or completely unmonitored

Table III.3.b. EO gaps in terms of accuracy, resolution and spatial coverage

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Accessibility gaps Needs 1: Issues include interoperability and standardisation that would allow immediate use by the non-specialist without involving complex format translation or conversion. Timely distribution implies the processing and distribution of data with as little delay as possible; ideally within a few hours of acquisition. Data should be distributed via co-ordinated web-based services. Access issues in general require a thorough examination of existing supply chains, with a view to designing an integrated and coherent system infrastructure. Needs 2: Pricing strategies are not currently designed to support cost-effective data access by developing countries and they should be reconsidered. Some INSAR studies of deformation and displacement require the purchase of fifty or more images, over a ten-year period, as part of a strategic monitoring programme with long-term continuity. Such repeat data purchases should also be made easier and more cost-effective to facilitate long-term monitoring. In a more advanced phase, data could be automatically processed at the scientist’s premises and, as soon as useful information on a hazard existed, the processed image products could be sent to the local users. Needs 3: Improved databases, complemented by shared experience and improved analysis and modeling tools like neural networks, fuzzy logic, statistical, stochastic and geostatistical methods, will open new possibilities for developing data integration in support of geohazards analysis. Integration of data acquired at different resolutions, with different accuracies and geometric characteristics and from different observation systems, still needs a major effort from the scientific community Needs 4: There is a proliferation of different models with widely differing assumptions, depending on the scales of investigations. This is of major importance for hazard mapping and monitoring of events ranging from local to regional distributions. Models vary from simplified to complex. The former are approximate, but they necessitate fewer input parameters and may be applied to large zones. The latter are sometimes indispensable for evaluation of the stability of a specific, dangerous ground instability hazard but are data hungry. In both cases, it is necessary to establish their capability, accuracy, and sensitivity with respect to the needed effort for gathering model inputs.

Table III.3.c. Gaps in terms of data accessibility Step 4: Examples of means to be maintained or put in place for enforcing the needs of the Geohazards community

Challenges: Four strategic objectives identified by Geohazards IGOS, to be tackled by 4 different Working Groups with objectives set to 3, 6 and 9 years time interval: building global capacity to mitigate Geohazards; improving mapping, monitoring and forecasting, based on satellite and ground-based

observations; increasing preparedness, using integrated Geohazards information products and improved

Geohazards models; promoting global adoption of local best practices in Geohazards management

Table III.4.a. Strategic plan

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ANNEX IV Tentative outline of a distinct and common user requirements database for GEOSS.

Socio Economic Benifits

Key TopicsDescriptionSE-ValuePriority

Required InformationDescriptionSE-ValueProrityCurrent_StatusChallangesUser_TypologyModellsLinks

Available Information

Available In-Situ

Available Remote Sensing

Required ObservationDescriptionStandardisation/ValidationProducttypeCurrent_StatusLinks

CostsPolicyGapsAccessibilitySystem/NetworkAvailabilityCapacity_of_deliveryTime_delayStandardisation/Validation

Spatial_res.Spatial_coverageTemporal_res.Temporal_coverageAccuracyOrganisation

GapsCoverage/GeographicModellingDataassimilationDelivery/AccessingDatamanagement

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

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ANNEX V Acronyms and Abbreviations

Acronym APAT Agenzia per la Protezione dell'Ambiente e per i Servizi Tecnici (Italian

Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services). BfG German Federal Institute of Hydrology CONAE Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (Argentina) EC European Commission ECMWF European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ELDAS European Land Data Assimilation System EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency ESA European Space Agency EU European Union GCOS Global Climate Observing System GEO Group on Earth Observation GEOSS Global Earth Observing System of Systems GIS Geographic Information System GMES Global Monitoring for Environment and Security GOOS Global Ocean Observing System HHS United States Department of Health and Human Services IGACO Integrated Global Atmospheric Chemistry Observations IGOS-P Integrated Global Observing Strategy-Partnership INGV Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (National Institute of

Geophysics and Volcanology - Italy) IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission IPTT Implementation Plan Task Team (GEO) KNMI Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (The Netherlands) LST Land Surface Temperature MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. MEXT Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

(Japan) NGO Non-Governmental Organization ODA Official Development Assistance PSEPC Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada RRR Rolling Review of Requirements SST Sea Surface Temperature UNCBD United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity UNCCD United Nations Convention on Combat Desertification UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change WCRP World Climate Research Programme WMO World Meteorological Organisation Abbreviations Min. Ecol. Sustain. Dev. Ministère de l’Ecologie et du Développement Durable

(Ministry for Ecology and Sustainable Development - France) Univ. Agr. Sc. University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden).

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ANNEX VI

User Requirements and Outreach Subgroup Roster

SG Co-Chair CANADA Genevieve Bechard [email protected] SG Co-Chair CC CANADA Julie Marois [email protected] Representative CANADA David Kendall [email protected] SG Co-Chair CEOS Stephen Briggs [email protected] SG Co-Chair ITALY Ezio Bussoletti [email protected]

SG Co-Chair CC ITALY Ezio Bussoletti (2nd email) [email protected]

SG Co-Chair ITALY Giorgio Cesari [email protected] SG Co-Chair UNITED KINGDOM Ewen McCallum [email protected] SG Co-Chair CC UNITED KINGDOM Rachel Deacon [email protected] SG Co-Chair UNITED STATES Gary Foley [email protected] Representative ARGENTINA Laura Frulla [email protected] Representative CC ARGENTINA Maryse Kalemkarian [email protected] Representative AUSTRALIA Tricia Kaye [email protected] Representative CC AUSTRALIA Susan Barrell [email protected]

Representative (alt) BELGIUM* Joelle Smeets [email protected] Representative BRAZIL Hadil da Rocha Vianna [email protected] Representative CYPRUS* Christos Zenonos [email protected] Representative CYPRUS* (alternate) Andreas Hadjiraftis [email protected] Representative EC Michel Cornaert [email protected] Representative EC (alternate) Francesco Pignatelli [email protected] Representative ECMWF Dominique Marbouty [email protected] Representative ECMWF Manfred Kloeppel [email protected] Representative ESA Mark Doherty [email protected] Representative FRANCE Eric Vindimian [email protected] Representative GCOS Alan R. Thomas [email protected] Representative GCOS Paul Mason [email protected] Representative GERMANY Olaf Trieschmann [email protected] Representative IGBP Berrien Moore [email protected]

Representative IGOS-P Will Steffen [email protected] Representative IGFA John Marks [email protected] Representative IRAN F. Rastegar [email protected] Representative IRAN cc P. Rezazadeh Kalebasti [email protected] Representative JAPAN Hiroshi Fukai [email protected] Representative CC JAPAN Teruyuki Itakura [email protected] Representative CC JAPAN Naoko Sugita [email protected] Representative KOREA Jae-won Lee [email protected] Representative NEW ZEALAND Howard Larsen [email protected] Reprentative NEW ZEALAND Dr Peter Stephens [email protected] Representative CC NEW ZEALAND Andy Reisinger [email protected] Representative CC NEW ZEALAND W. Andrew Matthews [email protected] Representative NETHERLANDS Hennie Kelder [email protected] Representative NETHERLANDS (alt) Albert Goede [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]


















Representative NORWAY Øystein NESJE [email protected] Representative RUSSIAN FEDERATION Vasiliy V. Asmus [email protected] Representative SPAIN Conchita Martinez Lope [email protected] Representative CC SPAIN Jorge Tamayo Carmona [email protected] Representative SWEDEN Håkan Olsson [email protected] Representative UNESCO Mr. Robert Missotten [email protected] Representative UNITED STATES Mary Gant [email protected] Representative UNITED STATES Jim Yoder [email protected] Representative UNEP Ashbindu Singh [email protected] Representative UNEP (Alternate) R. Norberto Fernandez [email protected] Representative UZBEKISTAN Natlaya Aga;tseva [email protected] Representative WCRP Gilles Sommeria [email protected] Representative WMO Donald Hinsman [email protected]

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group on earth observation (geo)

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