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Facilitating Access to Global Observing Systems Data and Information

Global Surface Network (GSN)

Program Overview

The GCOS Surface Network (GSN) is being implemented by GCOS and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Commissions for Climatology (CCl) and Basic Systems (CBS). The GSN provides a global reference network of land surface observation stations and mid-oceanic islands that can be used to detect and quantify aspects of climate change. The network has an approximate density of one station per 250 000 square kilometers. It is optimized for temperature observations and for suitability of stations for climate analysis.

GSN Data Access

Updated July 15, 2009

Program Management

The Atmospheric Observation Panel for Climate (AOPC) was established to define the requirements for meteorological observations for GCOS. AOPC is responsible for the planning and implementation of the GSN in cooperation with the World Weather Watch of the WMO.


Data Collection and Management

The data collected by the network of GSN stations is transmitted on the GTS in the form CLIMAT reports. The CLIMAT messages are sent monthly and contain averages of observed variables for the previous month.

Most climate related products produced by operational centers are based on the CLIMAT reports. The individual observations from the GSN stations are available for further detailed study and for later more rigorous quality control of the CLIMAT data. Meta data supporting the CLIMAT data are not transmitted on the GTS, but are made available to the final archives at a later date by the national collecting centers.


Selection of the GSN Stations

The initial selection of a GCOS surface network of approximately 800 stations from the existing 10,000 or so station is described in a study by Thomas Peterson, Harald Daan, and Philip Jones. Further work by the AOPC has produced a final list of stations. See the page on GSN observing requirements for further information.

Reference Documents


Contact Information

Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD)
Tobias Fuchs and Udo Schneider
Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC)
GSN Monitoring Center & CBS Lead Center for GCOS Data
E-mail: gpcc@dwd.de

NOAA National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)
Federal Building
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville NC 28801-5001
828-271-4800
FAX: 828-271-4876
Contact

Japan Meteorological Agency
Hidehiko Isobe
GSN Monitoring Center & CBS Lead Center for GCOS Data
Climate Prediction Division
Global Environment and Marine Department
E-mail:
climatemonitor@met.kishou.go.jp

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