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Facilitating Access to Global Observing Systems Data and Information

The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)

The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) was established in 1992 and focuses on satellite and in situ observations for climate in the atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial domain. Ocean Observing Systems for climate are planned jointly with the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). Terrestrial climate observing systems are planned jointly with the Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS).

The atmospheric elements of GCOS have been planned jointly with the responsible WMO Commissions and are implemented within the program of the World Weather Watch (WWW).

New and updated features:

Updated February 1, 2010

Access Data and Information by GCOS Network

Atmospheric Surface Observations:

** Joint programs with GOOS (see the GCOS/GOOS Joint Program Matrix)

Atmospheric Upper Air Observations:

Access Data and Information by Regional Observing Systems

  • IASOA > International Arctic Systems for Observing the Atmosphere The main mission of IASOA is coordination of atmospheric data collection at existing and newly established intensive Arctic atmospheric observatories.  This effort supports the International Polar Year (www.ipy.org) but is intended to establish a continuing network consortium into the foreseeable future.  Data of interest to the IASOA consortium include measurements of standard meteorology, greenhouse gases, atmospheric radiation, clouds, pollutants, chemistry, aerosols, and surface energy balances. 
  • Pacific Islands GCOS (PI-GCOS.org) (The GOSIC developed the PI-GCOS web site and turned in over to SPREP in January of 2009. The GOSIC continues support for training and CMS application development)
  • Pacific Islands Regional Meteorological web pages (Several of the Pacific Islands Meteorological Services web pages are hosted on the PI-GCOS web sites. The GOSIC developed the sites and trained the webmasters who have taken over their individual Meteorological Services web pages in January 2009. The GOSIC continues supporting the Meteorological Services with training and CMS application development)
  • Pacific Hydrological Cycle Observing System (HYCOS) (Pacific-HYCOS.org) (Prototype developed by the GOSIC and turned over to SOPAC in 2008. CMS/Joomla training and application development provided by the GOSIC)
  • USCRN > US Climate Reference Network:
  • US GCOS to improve global atmospheric climate observing through a diverse and integrated set of global, regional, and bi-lateral observing activities.(maintained by the GOSIC)
  • The Pacific Disaster Net (http://www.pacificdisaster.net/) is the - Virtual Centre of Excellence - for Disaster Risk Management in the Pacific Region. The Web Portal and Database System is designed to be the largest and most comprehensive information resource for Disaster Risk Management for the Pacific Island Countries.
  • Regional Climate Outlook Products Regional Climate Outlook Forums, active in several parts of the world, routinely provide real-time regional climate outlook products.
  • Vai Pasifika is the joint newsletter of the Pacific Islands Observing Systems. To subscribe send an email to vai.pasifika@sopac.org

Space Based Climate Observations (Atmosphere)

The GCOS requirements for space based climate observations are of three types. Those having to do with the ocean surface have been specified by the OOPC, a joint GCOS/GOOS panel. Those that have to do with the earth's surface have been specified by the TOPC, a joint GCOS/GTOS panel. The requirements described here are related to the atmosphere and soundings of it.

Access Data and Information for the Joint Observing System Programs

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