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World Meteorological OrganizationCOMMISSION FOR BASIC SYSTEMSSixteenth SessionGuangzhou, China, 23 to 29 November 2016

CBS-16/INF. 2.2Submitted by:Secretary-General16.XI.2016

REPORT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE OPEN PROGRAMME AREA ON INTEGRATED OBSERVING SYSTEM

The Chairperson of the Open Programme Area Group on Integrated Observing Systems (OPAG-IOS), Dr Jochen Dibbern (Germany), will be reporting at CBS-16 on the activities of that OPAG since CBS-Ext.(2014), in particular in response of decisions and guidance from CBS-Ext. (2014) and from Cg-17. A sustainable provision of indispensable global observational data on the state of the Earth and its atmosphere continued to be ensured thanks to coordinated efforts of Members operating the surface-based and space-based subsystems of the GOS that resulted in further improvements in meeting evolving user needs.

1. CBS support to the WIGOS Pre-Operational Phase 2016 – 2019 implementation

Following Cg-17 guidance, the OPAG-IOS and its Expert Teams engaged in the support of the implementation of the WIGOS Pre-Operational Phase 2016-2019, in particular with regard to (i) development of the new Vision of WIGOS component observing systems in 2040, (ii) development of WIGOS and GOS regulatory and guidance material, and (iii) further development of the Observing System Capability Analysis and Review tool (OSCAR1). It will continue to support WIGOS activities in the next CBS inter-sessional period. The proposed OPAG-IOS contribution to the WIGOS Pre-Operational Phase is detailed in decision document d05.4.01(01). See also information document i05.4.01(01) for details.

1.1 Development of the new Vision of WIGOS component observing systems in 2040

OPAG IOS efforts with regard to developing the new Vision of WIGOS component observing systems in 2040 were focused on the following: (i) producing initial drafts of the surface- and space-based parts of the Vision, and (ii) consolidation of the plans and roadmap for developing the Vision integrating these two parts. See information documents i05.04.02(1) i05.04.03(1) and decision document d05.04.02(1) for details.

1.2 WIGOS and GOS regulatory and guidance materials

The OPAG-IOS has been working on the development of WIGOS and GOS regulatory materials, in response of Congress recognition that there was an urgent need for accelerating the development of WIGOS guidelines and guidance material corresponding to new WIGOS Regulatory Materials to facilitate the implementation by Members of the WIGOS technical regulations as specified in Volume I, Part I and the Manual on WIGOS (WMO No. 1160).

The development of WIGOS guidance material was coordinated with the WIGOS-Project Office with support from the WIGOS Task Team on Regulatory Materials, and then the new WIGOS Editorial Board. OPAG-IOS Expert Teams have contributed to this effort, coordinated within CBS by the IPET-WIFI and its Sub Group on Regulatory Materials. A first draft WIGOS guidance document was reviewed by the WIGOS Editorial Board in June 2016. Update of GOS regulatory and guidance materials are also proposed by the OPAG-IOS for approval during this CBS Session. The new materials proposed by the OPAG-IOS essentially include the following elements:

1 oscar.wmo.int

http://oscar.wmo.int/

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 2

(a) WMO-No. 544, Manual on the Global Observing System (GOS): see decision document d03.02(01)

(b) WMO-No. 488, Guide to the Global Observing System (GOS): see decision document d03.02(01)

(c) Guide to the WIGOS: Guidance materials addressing the Observing Network Design Principles: see decision document d03.01(02).

Guide to Aircraft-Based Observations

The OPAG-IOS Expert Team on Aircraft-Based Observing Systems (ET-ABO) has, over the inter-sessional period, developed the Guide to Aircraft-Based Observations, which provides extensive guidance on aircraft-based observations and the AMDAR observing system, as a component of the World Weather Watch, WIGOS and the GOS. This guide has been reviewed and recommended by ICT-IOS and the IPET-WIFI/SG-RM for adoption and publication separate from the Guide to the GOS, as a result of its large and disproportionate size to other sections of the Guide to the GOS and the expected high cost of its translation were it to be included within that guide. It has been made available, in English only, for review by CBS Members prior to the Session and the feedback received taken into account in the version submitted for approval. This guide, which is intended to replace WMO No. 958, the AMDAR Reference Manual, would be, subject to their approval during this CBS Session, referenced as regulatory guidance by both the Manual on the GOS, Part III, Section 2.5, Aircraft Meteorological Stations and the Guide to the GOS, Part III, Section 3.4. The ICT-IOS recommends that CBS endorses the Guide to Aircraft-Based Observations, as provided within document d03.01(04) and recommends to the WMO Executive Council that it should be adopted as formal guidance on regulations and published as a WMO numbered guide.

See document d03.01(04) for details.

1.3 OSCAR

According to the Manual on the WIGOS, global compilations of WIGOS metadata are held in several databases. The database of the Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review tool (OSCAR) of the WIGOS Information Resource (WIR) is the key source of information for WIGOS metadata. While OSCAR/Space and OSCAR/Surface include information about space-based and surface-based capabilities, OSCAR/Requirements includes information about technology free observational user requirements recorded quantitatively in the database in terms of space and time resolutions, uncertainty, timeliness, and stability.

Development and operational implementation of OSCAR/Surface

Since CBS Ext.(2014), much progress was accomplished with regard to the development of the OSCAR/Surface thanks to strong commitment from MeteoSwiss and Switzerland for developing and hosting OSCAR/Surface within the MeteoSwiss IT infrastructure. The Commission is invited to express its gratitude to MeteoSwiss and Switzerland.

OSCAR/Surface is now operational since 2 May 2016, and effectively replacing WMO No. 9, Volume A (VolA), Observing Stations and WMO Catalogue of Radiosondes. A transition period has started until the end of 2017 whereby Members will continue to be allowed to submit their WIGOS metadata to VolA, while encouraged to directly enter such metadata in OSCAR/Surface directly through their nominated national focal points. WMO has communicated to Members in this regard through a circular letter dated 26 February 2016.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 3

WMO Weather Radar Database

WMO and its Technical Commissions, CBS and CIMO in partnership with the Turkish State Meteorological Service (TSMS) have continued to operate and maintain the WMO Weather Radar Database (WRD2). The database now contains metadata for over 900 weather radar systems operated by 88 WMO Member countries. A formal process has been established by the Secretariat for National Focal Points for Weather Radar Metadata to routinely maintain the metadata within the WRD – see website3.

This database is making an important contribution to the WIGOS Information Resource and the WMO Information System as a source of radar metadata and will be used in the near future to seed and maintain the OSCAR/Surface system, which will become the repository for the metadata of all stations that contribute to WIGOS. It is recommended that the WRD is more formally recognized as the WMO designated metadata repository for weather radar metadata and that Members are encouraged to nominate focal points and maintain the metadata within the WRD.

Responsibility and oversight of OSCAR

CBS-Ext.(2014) agreed on assigning the responsibility within CBS for overseeing and reviewing of OSCAR. While the CBS working structure is being reviewed by this Session of the Commission, and the activities of the IPET-WIFI merged into other expert teams within CBS as well as other task teams or mechanisms under the ICG-WIGOS, it becomes necessary to review such responsibilities with regard to the oversight of OSCAR development.

OSCAR Resourcing

The OPAG IOS recognizes the importance to WIGOS of the OSCAR, and the need to assure continued development of OSCAR in order to keep it compliant with the latest user requirements, together with the need for the Secretariat to have the capacity to monitor and maintain the information content of OSCAR databases and its quality, and to coordinate and take action according to the agreed procedures for keeping such content up-to-date. For that reason, a Recommendation is submitted to this CBS Session in the view to better secure the resources required to develop, operate, and maintain OSCAR.

Member Provision of Metadata

The ICT-IOS at its ninth Session considered the issue of submission and maintenance of WIGOS metadata in OSCAR, and decided to submit a Recommendation to this CBS Session in the view to have Members using the existing metadata collection mechanisms (GAWSIS4, WRD5, JCOMMOPS6) where appropriate and avoiding duplication of parallel direct submission of WIGOS metadata to OSCAR. See document d05.04.01(02) for details.

2. Implementation and operation of the surface-based subsystem of the GOS

2.1 Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN) and Regional Basic Climatological Network (RBCN)

Four times a year, the World Weather Watch (WWW) quantitative monitoring records the number of observations being exchanged on the GTS. For stations in the Regional Basic Synoptic Networks (RBSN) and Regional Basic Climate Networks (RBCN), the number of reports received is compared with the number of reports that are required from network stations during the period (four a day for surface synoptic reports, two a day for upper-air reports). Monitoring only counts reports for the main synoptic hours (00Z, 06Z, 12Z and 18Z for surface 2 http://wrd.mgm.gov.tr/default.aspx?l=en 3 http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/WRO/index_en.html 4 The Global Atmosphere Watch (WAS) Information System (GAWSIS) – https://gawsis.meteoswiss.ch/5 The WMO Weather Radar Database (WRD) – http://wrd.mgm.gov.tr/6 The JCOMM in situ Observations Programme Support Centre (JCOMMOPS) – http://www.jcommops.org

http://www.jcommops.org/

http://wrd.mgm.gov.tr/

https://gawsis.meteoswiss.ch/

http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/WRO/index_en.html

http://wrd.mgm.gov.tr/default.aspx?l=en

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 4

reports, 00Z and 12Z for upper-air reports). Reports for other times are not counted, so that if, for example, a station reports upper-air observations at 02Z and 14Z it is recorded as not distributing its observations.

Figure 1 (Annex 2) shows the time evolution of the percentage of required reports recorded in the October WWW Annual Global Monitoring exercises between 2004 and 2015.

Figures 2 to 5 (Annex 2) show the percentages of reports received from stations in the period 1 to 15 October 2015.

In January of each year, emphasis is placed on monitoring observations from Antarctica. Figures 6 to 8 show the results for the period 1 to 15 January 2016.

Migration to Table Driven Code Forms (TDCF) is important to allow information to be exchanged that cannot be expressed in the Traditional Alphanumeric Codes (TAC), such as the WIGOS station identifiers. Figures 9 to 12 show the status of the migration by comparing the number of reports received from each station in TAC and in TDCF. This analysis cannot distinguish between TDCF upper air reports that are generated directly from the data sent by the radiosonde and those that are generated by converting TAC messages.

2.2 GCOS Surface and Upper-air Networks (GSN/GUAN/GRUAN)

See section 5 (GCOS).

2.3 Aircraft-based observations

Establishment of the WMO Global Data Centre for Aircraft-Based Observations

The OPAG-IOS Expert Team on Aircraft-Based Observing Systems (ET-ABO) has defined the proposed functional requirements and Terms of Reference for the establishment of the WMO Global Data Centre for Aircraft-Based Observations. It considered the recommendation made by ET-ABO and ICT-IOS for WMO to formally designate and authorize this role to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), Meteorological Assimilation Data Ingest System (MADIS) under the management of the National Weather Service (NWS) Aircraft-Based Observations Program Manager.

The Commission is invited to endorse this proposal and to make the recommendation to the WMO Executive Council to establish the arrangement through proposed Recommendation, Establishment and Designation of the WMO Global Data Centre for Aircraft-Based Observations.

See also section on the Guide to Aircraft-Based Observations in paragraph 1.2 above.

2.4 Requirements and implementation of AWS platforms

Following developments lead by the OPAG IOS Expert Team on Surface-Based Observing Systems (ET-SBO), some additions are being proposed to the Commission by the OPAG-IOS into the Manual on the Global Observing System (WMO No. 588) regarding the operation of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) systems. Such additions include relevant Technical Regulations in the WIGOS Framework on (i) general requirements, (ii) observing practices, (iii) quality control, (iv) data and metadata reporting, (v) incident management, (vi) change management, (vii) maintenance, (viii) inspection and supervision, and (ix) calibration procedures.

2.5 Surface-based remote sensing observations

The OPAG-IOS Expert Team on Surface-Based Observations (ET-SBO) has coordinated a study on the optimization of the radiosonde network based on complementary optimization with the AMDAR observing system in some countries and regions. ICT-IOS-9 recommended to endorse the proposed plan and for ET-SBO to proceed with coordination of the study and to report to

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 5

CBS on its outcome based on the Decision, Study to be Undertaken to Analyze Options for Optimization of the Upper-air Observations Programme of the GOS.

2.6 Marine meteorological and oceanographic observations

The JCOMM Observations Coordination Group (OCG) developed a five-year Work Plan (2015-2020) to achieve synergies across observing networks, and advance intersessional activities, taking into key milestones such as JCOMM-5 Session (Indonesia, end 2017) and OceanObs19 (2019), etc. The Work Plan is designed in line with Framework for Ocean Observing (FOO, 2009) and complementary to that of Ocean Observations Panel for Climate (OOPC).

The OCG Work Plan focuses on performance targets of individual networks and synergies of all networks to contribute to the global ocean observing system, including: (1) Requirements; (2) Observing System Development and Best Practices; (3) Observing System Performance; (4) Observing System Metrics, including risks; and (5) Data, Information and System Monitoring through JCOMMOPS. The OCG and OOPC, developed network specifications for each network to describe their capability in relation to the Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and performance metrics. The next steps will be to develop cross-network metrics based on relevant variables. This practice aims to be consistent with the WMO Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR).

The percentage of completion of the initial composite ocean observing system has not increased substantially since CBS Ext.(2014), and evolved from 62 to about 66 percent. Members are encouraged to contribute to the ocean observation platforms that address the requirements in support of WMO Programmes.

ICT-IOS-9 noted a positive impact (EUMETSAT E-ASAP study) from the increased ASAP coverage over the North Atlantic, and agreed on the need to have the results of impact studies on ASAP consolidated and to recommend encouraging Members in other regions to increase ASAP coverage in the ocean areas so as to complement other sources of upper air data.

2.7 Observing component of the Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW), including CryoNet

ICT-IOS-9 noted the remarkable and rapid development of GCW and the CryoNet over the last 4 years, aided by voluntary contributions from Members and despite limited availability of finance from the WMO Regular Budget. Much of this success was due to the motivation of the research community to contribute and also as a result of regional activities aimed at increasing the participation in GCW and based on synergy of the requirements of the GCW and NMHSs. ICT-IOS agreed that GCW implementation would benefit from further and greater engagement with other TCs (e.g. JCOMM, CAS) and RAs (e.g. RA II). An issue remained with the lack of standards/formats for the exchange of observations on the GTS in real-time. It was expected that the regulations for operation of the CryoNet of the GCW would be developed as a contribution to the Manual on WIGOS. ICT-IOS-9 agreed that a recommendation should be made to CBS to encourage Members that operate stations in cold areas such as high mountain and polar regions to nominate national GCW focal points to WMO who might assist in the development of the GCW surface observing network. The ICT-IOS requested that the Secretariat should monitor and in the future report to the ICT-IOS on the status of CryoNet stations.

See document 04.01(04) for details.3. Implementation and operation of the space-based subsystem of the GOS

3.1 Satellite systems

Overall, there has been good progress in addressing the targets set in the space-based component of the Vision for the GOS in 2025 over the inter-sessional period. The Vision comprises operational geostationary satellites, operational polar-orbiting sun-synchronous satellites, additional operational missions in appropriate orbits, operational pathfinders and technology demonstrators and polar and GEO platforms/instruments for space weather.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 6

Additional information on the status of current and future satellites contributing to WIGOS can be found in the "Satellite Status" webpage7, maintained by WMO. Detailed information on past, current and future satellite missions is available in the OSCAR/Space8 database.

Highlights for the various components of the space-based WIGOS are as follows:

Operational geostationary satellites:

Highlights in the 2014-2016 period are:

(a) The Russian Electro-L N2, the second flight unit of the Electro-L series, was successfully launched in December 2015, positioned at 78° E, with operations yet to be started.

(b) FY-2G was launched by China in December 2015, and replaced FY-2E since June 2015; the satellite is positioned over the Indian Ocean and currently operational.

(c) In October 2014, JMA successfully launched the Himawari-8, the 1st flight unit of the Himawari 3rd generation programme; this first satellite with a new-generation 16-channel imager is currently operational and providing new near-real time availability including rapid scan to the West Pacific sector.

Regarding sustained geostationary satellite coverage of the Indian Ocean region, on 28 June 2016, the EUMETSAT Council approved the relocation of the geostationary Meteosat-8 satellite to 41.5 degrees East in support to the multi-partner Indian Ocean Data Coverage (IODC) service continuity beyond 2016. This decision follows the roadmap agreed by the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) to ensure IODC continuity after decommissioning of the ageing Meteosat-7 satellite at the end of 2016. The relocation will start on 4 July 2016 and is expected to be concluded around mid-September 2016.

Whilst there are now numerous geostationary meteorological satellites on orbit, the 2025 Vision is only partially realized. There is a larger gap (85 degrees of longitude) between GOES West and Himawari-8 which means that some Pacific nations are not well covered by either satellite. Otherwise, most areas of the globe are well observed from geostationary orbit in the visible and infrared bands. The other elements of the Vision, hyperspectral sounders and lightning imagers, are not yet present.

Operational polar-orbiting satellites:

Launches of polar-orbiting sun-synchronous satellites in the period 2014-2016 include:

(a) The DoD/NOAA DMSP F-19 was launched on April 2014 on an early morning orbit (06:36 descending, ECT). It is important to note that since the 11 February 2016 operations have been interrupted for DMSP F-19 due to a telecommand outage; and

(b) Meteor-M N2 was launched by RosHydroMet/Roscosmos on July 2014 on a morning orbit (09:10 descending, ECT).

The 2025 Vision is well covered for two of three orbital planes. The early morning orbit does not fully meet the vision as DMSP does not have a hyperspectral sounder, and its future is uncertain. CMA committed to place the upcoming FY-3E satellite in an early-morning orbit, addressing this potential gap.

Additional operational missions in appropriate orbits:

These include microwave imagers, scatterometers, radar altimeters, SAR missions, and radio occultation missions. Highlights in 2014-2016 include:

7 http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/sat/satellitestatus.php 8 http://www.wmo-sat.info/oscar/spacecapabilities

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 7

(a) The successful launch of the ocean surface topography NASA-CNES-NOAA-EUMETSAT mission Jason-3 in January 2016, providing continuity to the series of high-precision ocean altimeters

(b) Europe (ESA/EUMETSAT) launched operational environmental Sentinel satellites as part of the European Commission Copernicus programme: the all-weather land and ocean high-resolution radar missions in early-morning orbit Sentinel-1A (April 2014) and -1B (April 2016), the land and vegetation optical mission Sentinel-2A (June 2015), and the land and ocean surface and topography mission Sentinel-3A (February 2016), both in mid-morning orbit.

The 2025 Vision is reasonably well covered for these missions; there is some uncertainty about continuity and sufficient coverage of microwave imagers (AMSR-type) and high-quality radio occultations (COSMIC-type).

Operational pathfinders and technology demonstrators:

Of highest interest to the meteorological community is the ESA ADM-Aeolus Doppler wind lidar mission to provide line-of-sight wind profiles, and profiles of clouds and aerosols. Launch is anticipated for 2017.

Upcoming cloud and precipitation radar missions are EarthCare (ESA/JAXA) which is planned for 2018 and FY-3RM (Rainfall Measurement, CMA/ NRSCC) composed of 2 satellites and considered for 2020. No continuity is planned for low-frequency microwave missions for observation of soil moisture and sea surface salinity beyond the lifetime of the ESA SMOS and NASA SMAP satellites.

3.2 Satellite Utilization

A priority for Members has been during the inter-sessional period to prepare for the utilization of data from next-generation meteorological satellites, such as Himawari-8 and GOES-R in geostationary orbit, and FY-3E and JPSS in polar orbit (see Resolution 37(Cg-17)). As shown in WMO global user surveys, the transition to new systems is generally a challenge that requires early planning and a range of preparatory measures on the part of Members, including technical upgrades of reception and processing systems, and building of additional capacity.

Meteorological satellite operators in CGMS have committed to assist Members in user readiness projects according to the Best Practices that the Commission is invited to review and endorse (cf. document d03.02(02)). Regional groups on satellite data access and exchange are active in RA I, II, III/IV and V, to provide an efficient user interface to satellite operators. These groups are a key mechanism to organize user readiness activities at the Regional level. The Secretariat has launched the Satellite User Readiness Portal (SATURN) and maintains other online resources (Product Access Guide, OSCAR/Space) to assist Members in satellite data utilization.Input from the satellite data users' point of view has been provided, through IPET-SUP, to the draft Vision for the WIGOS Space-based Components for 2040 (cf. d05.04.03 and i05.04.02).

To better coordinate global satellite data dissemination, including through the WIS, a satellite data dissemination strategy with eleven targets and progress indicators has been developed jointly by the Space Programme and WIS. The indicators describe the exchange of satellite data on the WIS, implementation status of DBNet (cf. d03.04(02)), availaibility of user requirements, availability of metadata standards, among others.

There is continuing progress with the SCOPE-Nowcasting initiatives, with four pilot projects underway, and SCOPE-Climate Monitoring. A case studies report [Ref: http://library.wmo.int/pmb_ged/wmo_1162_en.pdf] highlighted the value of satellite data for climate services in the context of the Architecture for Climate Monitoring from Space.

http://library.wmo.int/pmb_ged/wmo_1162_en.pdf

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 8

The WMO-CGMS Virtual Laboratory for Education and Training in Satellite Meteorology (VLab) developed a new VLab strategy 2015-2019 strategy, in response to WMO priorities and the challenges associated with next-generation meteorological satellites. To guide framing and content of satellite-related training activities, a Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists guideline has been developed (cf. document d03.02(02)).

4. Observing network design and evolution of global observing systems

Following adoption of the Observing Network Design (OND) Principles by Cg-17, and their inclusion in the Manual on the WIGOS (WMO No. 1160), as well as Cg-17 guidance to CBS, the OPAG-IOS has initiated and pursued the development of guidance materials to address the OND Principles.

Regarding evolution of global observing systems, efforts within the OPAG-IOS focused on: (i) maintaining observational user requirements of the WMO Application Areas in the OSCAR database, (ii) keeping the Statements of Guidance (gap analysis) of the Applications Areas under review and updating them as needed, and (iii) the monitoring status of actions of the Implementation Plan for the Evolution of Global Observing Systems (EGOS-IP), and promoting their implementation by the identified actors.

Regarding impact studies and observing systems experiments, the OPAG-IOS has been addressing some of the science questions promoted by CBS Ext.(2014), and updated the list for consideration by this CBS Session. In particular, the sixth WMO Workshop on the Impact of Various Observing Systems on NWP was organized in Shanghai, China, from 10 to 13 May 2016. The workshop issued 23 recommendations, which the OPAG IOS will consider in its future activities in this regard.

See information document inf05-4-1(3) and decision document d05-4-1(3) for details.

5. Global Climate Observing System

GCOS Status Report 2015

Following the Second Adequacy Report in 2003, GCOS produced an Implementation Plan in 2004, a Supplement to the Plan in 2006 on requirements for satellite-based data products, a Progress Report in 2009, an updated Implementation Plan in 2010 and an updated Satellite Supplement in 2011.

UNFCCC SBSTA invited a subsequent progress report and encouraged a review of the adequacy of observing systems, noticing also the usefulness of regularly updating the implementation plan. The report was submitted to COP21/SBSTA in October 2015, which urged Parties to work towards addressing the priorities and gaps identified in the GCOS Status Report 2015, and invited Parties and relevant organizations to provide inputs to, and contribute to the review of, the GCOS Implementation Plan 2016 (FCCC/SBSTA/2015/L.18).

The EC also endorsed this report as the basis for the new GCOS implementation plan (Decision 4.6/1 (EC-68)).

The report on the Status of the Global Observing System for Climate assesses the progress made against the actions set out in the GCOS Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (2010 update) and provides an account on how well climate is currently being observed, where progress is lacking or where deterioration has occurred.

Experts from CBS have contributed to this report which is also specifically assessing, inter alia, networks which are operated by NMHS and actions related to overarching elements like space-based observations, generation of data products, reanalysis, recovery of instrumental data, proxy reconstruction of past climates and data management.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 9

This plan provides the basis on which GCOS is building its new Implementation Plan to be published at the end of 2016.

New GCOS Implementation Plan 2016

Congress (Resolution 39 (Cg-17)) decided to continue and strengthen GCOS and urged members to strengthen their climate observing systems and support developing countries in their efforts. Resolution 39 (Cg-17) also requested regional associations and technical commissions to support effective, coordinated implementation of GCOS in their areas of responsibility, in close consultation with GCOS and the other international sponsors of GCOS and other international organizations.

GCOS has produced a new implementation plan to guide global observations over the next 5-10 years. This reviews the list of ECV and their definitions and requirements based on the needs of users.

In preparing the new implementation plan, GCOS took into account the GCOS Status Report 2015, COP21 (the Paris Agreement), IPCC`s AR5, the requirements for observations with regard to climate services (GFCS), the GEO-led initiative Blue Planet, the ICSU-led initiative Future Earth, the UNEP-led programme PROVIA and new developments presented at the GCOS Conference held in Amsterdam in March 2016 (www.gcos-science.org). While delivering largely the same suite of observations, the new implementation plan is more clearly relevant to a number of other climate-related issues: it addresses global Earth-life cycles, like energy, carbon and water cycles, and explains the relevance of climate observations for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and the UN Sustainable Development goals (SDGs).

There are now new challenges arising from the increasing needs of adaptation, mitigation, early warning systems and disaster risk response. The implementation plan outlines concrete plans to ensure continuity of the observations records whilst improving it where needed according to these new requirements. To achieve that, the implementation plan discusses ECVs and sets out actions to support cross-domain use (i.e. to close the carbon budget) and so assure relevance to the growing user community.

The new Implementation Plan underwent an intensive expert and public review process in the second half of 2016 to which all NMHS were invited. The implementation plan has been presented to the UNFCCC COP22 in Marrakesh (Nov 2016) and a copy-edited version will be finally released in the first quarter of 2017.

GCOS Network Management

The GCOS Secretariat is reporting regularly on the GCOS Surface Network (GSN), the GCOS Upper-Air Network (GUAN) and the GCOS Cooperation Mechanism (GCM), including the station list update, monitoring statistics for past and current years and current and recent observations projects undertaken by the GCOS network management.

A key component to report, update and encourage the work and responsibilities of the Lead Centres is the bi-annual meeting between the Lead Centre Representatives, WMO and GCOS. The last meeting was held in Santiago, Chile in October 2013, with a planned meeting in the UK (March 2016) having to be postponed. It is now agreed that the 5th CBS-LC-GCOS will take place in Cambridge, UK (hosted by the British Antarctic Survey) from 7–9 September, 2016.

Since January 2016 additional monitoring of the GSN stations has been provided through the EUMETNET Quality Monitoring Portal (https://eucos.dwd.de/ravi/). This enhanced QMP not only provides real-time availability and timeliness statistics for surface and upper-air messages received at DWD (Offenbach) but also measurement quality as compared with NWP background fields (ECMWF). Members are encouraged to monitor the performance of their GSN stations through this portal, and report any issues with the appropriate WMO/GCOS Secretariat.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 10

Performance Report of the GSN in 2015

The provided statistics on GSN are an annual summary of the monthly CLIMAT messages in the GCOS Climate Archive (National Climate Environmental Information, NCEI, US). The assessment is based on the 2015 percentage of stations that are compliant with the GCOS requirements and those that are partially or non-compliant (Table 1).

Region I continues to be the poorest performing network, with only 29% of stations meeting the minimum requirement, and 25% not providing any CLIMAT messages. This continues to reinforce the need for GCOS to focus its support in this region. For the Regional Basic Climatological Network (RBCN) network, which includes the GSN, the situation is even worse in RA I with only 13% of stations meeting the minimum requirement. All other regions show an increase in the percentage of stations with zero reports, suggesting that not all countries are sending CLIMAT messages for their RBCN stations, in addition to the GSN stations.

It is also evident that in all regions there has not been any noticeable improvement, or deterioration, over recent years, apart from the Antarctic network.

Region No. 12Monthly CLIMAT

6 - 11Monthly CLIMAT

1 - 5Monthly CLIMAT

0Monthly CLIMAT

RA-I 156 29%(29, 32, 28, 23)

31%(33, 33, 36, 39)

15%(10, 10, 11, 14)

25%(28, 25, 25, 24)

RA-II 258 78%(71, 73, 73, 75)

14%(21, 19, 19, 19)

2%(3, 2, 2, 1)

6%(5, 6, 6, 5)

RA-III 94 61%(76, 89, 84, 69)

35%(20, 6, 13, 28)

0%(1, 0, 0, 0)

4%(3, 5, 3, 3)

RA-IV 178 88%(88, 88, 81, 80)

9%(10, 11, 17, 18)

2%(1, 1, 1, 1)

1%(1, 0, 1, 1)

RA-V 151 66%(70, 63, 58, 52)

16%(17, 16, 23, 34)

4%(1, 7, 7, 1)

14%(13, 14, 12, 11)

RA-VI 138 77%(80, 82, 78, 81)

14%(9, 12, 17, 15)

3%(5, 2, 1, 0)

6%(6, 4, 4, 4)

Antarctica

42 76%(79, 60, 45, 50)

19%(19, 36, 43, 33)

3%(2, 2, 5, 12)

2%(0, 2, 7, 5)

Regional Basic Climatological Network (RBCN, includes the GSN above)

Region No. 12Monthly CLIMAT

6 - 11Monthly CLIMAT

1 - 5Monthly CLIMAT

0Monthly CLIMAT

RA-I 723 16%(17, 19, 13, 12)

22%(20, 20, 23, 22)

11%(7, 7, 12, 13)

51%(54, 52, 53, 51)

RA-II 664 73%(71, 73, 67, 57)

17%(18, 15, 22, 30)

2%(4, 4, 1, 2)

8%(7, 8, 10, 11)

RA-III 298 62%(73, 81, 73, 65)

25%(14, 6, 15, 23)

1%(1, 1, 1, 0)

12%(12, 11, 12)

RA-IV 337 78%(78, 72, 67, 66)

10%(11, 18, 18, 18)

3%(3, 2, 2, 3)

9%(8, 8, 13, 13)

RA-V 247 63%(64, 59, 56, 50)

18%(21, 17, 24, 34)

4%(1, 9, 6, 3)

15%(14, 15, 14, 13)

RA-VI 594 80%(81, 77, 77, 74)

12%(8, 13, 15, 18)

1%(3, 3, 1, 1)

7%(7, 7, 7, 7)

Table 1: According to the GCOS requirements a fully compliant GSN and RBCN shall have 12 CLIMAT reports. The values represents the 2015 percentage of stations that are compliant and those that are partially or non-compliant. In brackets are the statistics for 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively.

Performance Report of the GUAN in 2015

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 11

The provided statistics on GUAN is based on the 2015 summary for GUAN monitoring against the GCOS minimum requirements (25 daily soundings to 30hPa per month) for each region, according to the monthly statistics provided by NCEP (Table 2).

Region Number of GUAN stations

% meeting minimum GCOS requirements in 2015(% for 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011)

RA I 23 35% (39%, 46%, 48%, 57%)RA II 32 87% (87%, 87%, 87%, 87%)RA III 18 67% (72%, 67%, 89%, 78%)RA IV 24 79% (83%, 75%, 83%, 87%)RA V 38 79% (76%, 74%, 84%, 87%)RA VI 24 87% (87%, 83%, 92%, 87%)Antarctica

12 67% (58%, 58%, 83%, 83%)

Table 2: The following table is the 2015 summary for the GCOS Upper-Air Network (GUAN) monitoring against the GCOS minimum requirements (25 daily soundings to 30hPa per month) for each region, according to the monthly statistics provided by NCEP. In brackets are the same statistics for 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011. For 2012 and 2011 these are based on availability according to NCEI.

Seven (7) of the GUAN stations (4%) were ‘Silent’ (zero reported TEMP observations) during 2015, which was deterioration from 2014 (3 stations). In 2013 there were 3 ‘Silent’ stations, 4 in 2012 and 5 in 2011.

GRUAN

The GCOS Reference Upper Air Network (GRUAN),is a global network sites that, to the extent possible, builds on existing observational networks and capabilities. To date there are 25 sites of which 8 have undergone a rigorous certification procedure out of a target of 30-40 stations globally. The Lead Centre for the GRUAN has been established at the Lindenberg facility of the German Meteorological Center (DWD) and oversees day-to-day operations. GRUAN measurements are reference quality: long-term, accurate climate data records from the surface, to the stratosphere. These allow a reliable determination of upper-air climate trends, constrain data from more spatially comprehensive observing systems (including satellites and current radiosonde networks), and fully characterize the properties of the atmospheric column. Many of the GRUAN sites operate frost-point hygrometers capable of measuring water vapour through the lower stratosphere. GRUAN is not expected to operate in isolation and operating protocols developed within GRUAN are expected to be disseminated to GUAN sites and to the wider global radiosonde network with overall improved data quality as a result.

6. Radio Frequencies

Access to radiofrequency spectrum remains a significant issue for WMO with increasing demand for bandwidth by commercial operators putting pressure on the spectrum for remote sensing, satellite downlink, radar and short-range radio communication.

So as to improve the information flow and facilitate the involvement of other Technical Commissions and Members on radio frequency issues, it is proposed that the Steering Group on Radio-Frequency Coordination (SG-RFC) would continue to report to OPAG-IOS but, in addition, the Chairperson of the SG should become an associate member of the CBS Management Group.

See decision document d05.04.01(05) for details.

7. Regional issues and capacity development

While more regional resources are being committed to Capacity Development, the following issues were noted by the OPAG-IOS at its ninth session (ICT-IOS-9, Geneva, April 2016):

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 12

Region I

During Cg-16, RA I had noted that the establishment and maintenance of a Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN) of surface and upper-air synoptic stations, constituted one of the most important obligations of Members and that the high cost of running upper air stations was cited as a reason for issues with silent stations and the low number of upper air stations which were operational.

The RA had stressed that the highest priority for each Member in the Region should be to: (a) Improve and restore surface and upper-air observational capabilities of the RBSN/RBCN; and (b) To improve data quality, regularity, and coverage of surface observations of the RBSN/RBCN.

Region II

There were substantial differences between countries in relation to data policy and the approach to capacity development.

The RA had placed an emphasis on development of the AMDAR programme in the region it had undertaken several activities to promote the benefits of the programme. There were differences in data policies relating to AMDAR that might be resulting in available data not being shared on the GTS and these should be investigated to determine a solution.

Region III

The RA III was undertaking work towards defining and establishing Regional WIGOS Centres (RWC) based on a range of functions that might be delegated to Members with centres capable of undertaking such function.

More regional resources were being committed to capacity development and it was suggested that this should be complemented by training and guidance as a component of the Regional WIGOS Implementation Plan.

Region IV

It was noted that, in Region IV, substantial improvements had been made in the implementation and maintenance of the RBSN over the past decade.

Region V

At the RA V Regional Association Session in Jakarta, Indonesia (May 2015), the RA agreed on its strategic plan and priorities, in particular with regard to the development and implementation of WIS and WIGOS under the Working Group on Infrastructure.

The RA had placed a strategic focus on several key aspects of observing systems development, including aircraft and satellite observations and quality management.

In recent years, the Australian and New Zealand AMDAR fleets had been substantially expanded and both these countries had also introduced or extended their radar wind profiler observing networks.

Samoa had commissioned a radar wind profiler in 2012 thanks to the assistance of the Japanese government.

A RA II/RA V joint project for weather radar data exchange had been established.

Region VI

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 13

Migration to Table Driven Code Forms (TDCF) had been a prominent issue for the region and the redesign of RBSN/RBCN that had been agreed by the RA had not progressed as expected.

Wind turbine interference to weather radar operations is a critical issue for the region and a need to develop a policy to ensure that there must be a separation of at least 50km between new proposed wind turbine sites and existing weather radar systems.

ICT-IOS-9 made some recommendations related to regional issues and capacity development to be considered by this Session, and which are reflected in Decision document 5.4.1(1).

8. CBS working structure

The ICT-IOS-9, following recommendations from the fifteenth Session of the CBS Management Group (CBS-MG) reviewed the OPAG-IOS Working Structure and the Terms of Reference of the OPAG-IOS Expert Teams and Rapporteurs. Important proposed changes include:

(a) So as to improve the information flow and facilitate the involvement of other technical commissions and Members on radio frequency issues, the Steering Group on Radio-Frequency Coordination (SG-RFC) would continue to report to OPAG-IOS but, in addition, the Chairperson of the SG should become an associate member of the CBS Management Group;

(b) The activities of the Inter-Programme Expert Team on WIGOS Framework Implementation Matters (IPET-WIFI) should be either integrated into the Inter-Commission Coordination Group on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (ICG-WIGOS) and its working groups, or else delegated to other CBS expert teams, leading to the cessation of IPET-WIFI and its sub-groups following CBS-16;

(c) To support the establishment of a WIGOS Editorial Board to ensure review and harmonization of all contributions to WIGOS regulatory material from the various relevant Technical Commissions and their working groups and programmes;

(d) Capacity development coordination was proposed to be added to the terms of reference of all OPAGs, especially IOS and ISS.

In addition, an IPET on Operational Weather Radar (IPET-OWR) has now been approved by EC-68 following recommendations of the CBS and CIMO management groups. It was established under the management of CIMO and CIMO/CBS joint resourcing and guidance.

While the ICT-IOS agreed during its ninth session with the recommendation of ICG-WIGOS and the CBS Management Group that there was no longer a requirement for the continuation of the Inter-Programme Expert Team on WIGOS Framework Implementation Matters (IPET-WIFI) and its sub-groups beyond 2016, the OPAG-IOS will continue to prioritize tasks and activities within its Expert Teams so as to ensure full support for WIGOS implementation. This will include contributions in the key priority areas such as OSCAR development, regulatory and guidance development, revision and modernization of quality monitoring practices and the establishment of the WIGOS Regional Basic Observing Network supported by Regional WIGOS Centres.

See document d05.10 (01) for the proposed corresponding Commission decisions.

9. OPAG-IOS Workplan

The ICT-IOS-9 undertook a thorough review of the work plans of its expert teams and coordinators for the coming CBS inter-sessional period 2017-2020, aligned with the new proposed OPAG-IOS working structure and Terms of Reference of the Expert Teams. The proposed work plans are provided in the Annex.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 14

_____________

Annexes: 2

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 15

Annex 1

PROPOSED WORK PLANS OF THE OPAG-IOS EXPERT TEAMS AND COORDINATORSFOR THE COMING CBS INTER-SESSIONAL PERIOD 2017-2020

1) UPDATED WORK PLAN WITH STATUS FOR THE INTER PROGRAMME EXPERT TEAM ON OBSERVING SYSTEM DESIGN AND EVOLUTION (IPET-OSDE) FOR THE PERIOD 2012-2016

(Workplan as decided by IPET-OSDE-1, April 2014; status of tasks as of 16 April 2016)

Id Priority Objective Outcome Deliverable Activity Leader Due Other ETs Effort Status Report1 1 To contribute to the

implementation of WIGOS, including WIGOS Manual, and provide relevant advice and support to the chairperson of ICT-IOS

Address relevant items of WIGOS Implementation Activities agreed by Congress XVI, and then ICG-WIGOS

Relevant WIP activities addressed

Meeting Chairperson IPET-OSDE

Ongoing ICG-WIGOS, IPET-WIFI

OND Principles included in WIGOS Manual

OND Guidance addressing the Principles almost complete

Vision 2040 Space well developed and reviewed at IPET-OSDE-2

Vision 2040 Surface preparation initiated at IPET-OSDE-2

2 1 Survey and collate user requirements for observations for WMO and WMO-sponsored programmes

Review and update WMO database of observational user requirements, through Points of Contact for application areas.

OSCAR/ Requirements up-to-date

Review by FPs

Chairperson IPET-OSDE

Ongoing / Annual review

Ongoing; PoCs regularly contacted for updates

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 16

Id Priority Objective Outcome Deliverable Activity Leader Due Other ETs Effort Status Report3 1 Survey and collate

observing systems capabilities for surface-based and space-based systems that are components or candidate components of WIGOS

Review and update WMO database of observing system capabilities, in collaboration with other OPAG IOS ETs and other Technical Commissions as appropriate.

OSCAR/Space & OSCAR/Surface up to date

Review by Members (coordination via NFPs)



ICT-IOS, ET-ABO, ET-SBO, ICG-WIGOS/TT-WMD

Ongoing for space-based, and recorded in OSCAR/Space.Ongoing for surface-based through new developments with OSCAR/Surface, to be used when operational in 2016

4 1 Maintain Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR) for observations in several application areas, using subject area experts, including appropriate liaison with Technical Commissions and programmes and co-sponsored programmes (e.g. CAS, JCOMM, CAeM, CAgM, CHy, CCl, GCOS, GFCS, and GCW)

Continue RRR process for the listed application areas and expand to new areas as required: review and update as necessary Statements of Guidance on the extent to which present/ planned observing system capabilities meet user requirements, through Points of Contact on application areas.

Statements of Guidance for all Application Areas

Application Area Contact Points; Meeting



Ongoing; some SoG reviewed. Overall review done by IPET-OSDE-1 and IPET-OSDE-2. Some updates to user requirements and SoGs made during the period.

5 1 Prepare and maintain reviews of observation impact studies undertaken by NWP centres and provide information for consideration by IPET-OSDE and OPAG-IOS

Rapporteurs on Impact Studies and NWP experts, review results of impact studies relevant to the evolution of observing systems. Organize and hold next NWP Impact Studies Workshop in

Findings of impact studies

Impact studies

Rapporteurs on Scientific Evaluation of Impact Studies undertaken by NWP Centres

2016: workshop

Report of the 5th NWP “Impact” workshop (Sedona, 2012) published.Ongoing: recent findings, and proposals for new impact studies

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 17

Id Priority Objective Outcome Deliverable Activity Leader Due Other ETs Effort Status Report2016. discussed at

IPET-OSDE1 and approved by CBS Ext.(2014). Preparations well advanced for 6th workshop (Shanghai, May 2016)

6 1 Promote CBS activities in support of GCOS goals

Review the implications of the progress on the GCOS Implementation Plan for the activities of CBS.Bring relevant issues to the attention of the IPET-OSDE

RRR consistent with GCOS

Meeting Rapporteur on GCOS matters

20132016

Ongoing interactions between IPET-OSDE Chairperson and GCOS.

7 1 Promote CBS activities in support of GFCS goals

Review the implications of the GFCS IP for the activities of CBS. Bring relevant issues to the attention of the IPET-OSDE

RRR consistent with GFCS


2016 Relevant activities reviewed at IPET-OSDE1. GCOS/GFCS interaction encouraged.

8 1 Promote CBS activities in support of GCW goals

Review the implications for the activities of CBS of the GCW developments, including the GCW Implementation Strategy, and the Cryosphere theme report for the IGOS partnership. Bring relevant

RRR consistent with GCW


2016 Relevant activities reviewed at IPET-OSDE-1 and IPET-OSDE-2. CBS CWP submitted to the AOS1.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 18

Id Priority Objective Outcome Deliverable Activity Leader Due Other ETs Effort Status Reportissues to the attention of the IPET-OSDE

9 1 Monitor progress and actions by Members and partner Organizations per the approved Implementation Plan for the Evolution of the Global Observing Systems (EGOS-IP), fully responding to the “Vision for the GOS in 2025”,and promote activities in support of progress

Seek feedback from National Focal Points, Expert Teams, relevant Technical Commissions, and other groups on the implementation of EGOS-IP, and keep the EGOS-IP progress report up to date. Initiate and monitor activities which promote progress.

EGOS-IP progress report

Survey with FPs, TCs; meeting



Ongoing. Feedback against the new EGOS-IP requested to the NFPs for 2013, 2014 and 2015.2013 input reviewed at IPET-OSDE-1. 2014 and 2015 input reviewed by IPET-OSDE-2. New feedback by EGOS-IP action “owners” reviewed by IPET-OSDE-2.

10 1 Propose guidance regarding observing system network design principles

Draft guidance document on network design(to be further discussed at IPET-OSDE-1 in 2014)

Guidance document on network design


End 20132014

2 workshops organized in Nov. 2013 and Feb. 2015. OND Principles approved with WIGOS Manual. Draft OND guidance almost complete.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 19

2) WORK PLAN FOR THE SUB-GROUP ON RADIO-FREQUENCY COORDINATION (SG-RFC) FOR THE PERIOD 2012-2015

Id Priority Objective Outcome Deliverable(s) Activity Leader Due Other ETs Effort1 1 Represent WMOs

needs at ITU WRC-12.Radio Regulations ensure WMO observing and communications systems have uninterrupted access to necessary frequencies

WMO Position Paper on WRC-12 Agenda.

Support to secretariat representation at WRC-12

Chairperson Jan/Feb 2012

2 1 WRC-15 Radio Regulations ensure WMO observing and communications systems have uninterrupted access to necessary frequencies

WMO Position Paper on WRC-15 Agenda.

Representation at Conference Preparations meetings for WRC-15 Preparation of a preliminary position paper on WRC-15 agenda, maintain and update for final submission to WRC-15. Organization of studies and submission of contributions supporting the WMO position at ITU-R Working Parties involved) Participation in ITU-R study groups and JTG Representation of WMO at ITU-R Regional Organizations meetings.

Chairperson Various times throughout the period. WRC-15 scheduled for Nov 2015

3 1 Monitor and address Spectrum issues related to meteorological and Earth exploration applications/systems

Present and future meteorological and related needs for spectrum are met

Participation in ITU-R study groups and working parties. Participate in national activities in support of ITU-R processes.

Chairperson Focal points (See Attachment 1)

On-going ICT-IOS, ET-WISC, ET-CTS CIMO

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 20

Id Priority Objective Outcome Deliverable(s) Activity Leader Due Other ETs Effort4 2 Establishment of a

WMO Strategy on radio-frequency protection for meteorology and related environmental

Improved ability of NMHSs to ensure national spectrum policies incorporate meteorological and related needs for spectrum

Strategy paper for consideration of EC-65

Preparation of draft strategy Review by SG-RFC and submission to CBS Consideration by EC-65

Secretariat Chairperson Secretariat

EC-65

5 2 Establishment of a guide for NMHS on participation in radio frequency coordination processes

Improved ability of NMHSs to participate in national and international spectrum policy and management processes

Guide to Participation in Radio-frequency Coordination (WMO-No. 1159)

Prepare draft guide, Review by SG-RFC Review by CBS Review by Cg-17 Publish

Secretariat Chairperson Secretariat

EC-65

6 2 Monitor ITU-R regional organization activities and represent WMO issues where possible

Regional organizations decisions take into account WMO needs

Regional organization representation for WMO

Bring to the attention of SG-RFC any regional issues affecting WMO and vice versa

Focal points, see attachment 3

Ongoing

7 2 Cooperation with other organizational entities such as GEO, SFCG, CGMS

WMO needs are taken into consideration of other environmental related activities

Participation and representation of WMO

Bring to the attention of SG-RFC any issues from other earth observations related organizations affecting WMO and vice versa

Focal points, see attachment 2

Ongoing

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 21

3) DRAFT WORK PLAN FOR THE EXPERT TEAM ON SURFACE-BASED OBSERVING SYSTEMS (ET-SBO) FOR THE PERIOD 2017 – 2020 (VERSION 0.1)

(Generated at ICT-IOS-9 April 2016)

No. Task Deliverable/Activity Due Responsible Status Comment

1.

Helping WIGOS Succeed

Agreed ToR: Contribute to the implementation of WIGOS by undertaking those tasks assigned to it by the OPAG IOS Chairperson as part of the WIGOS pre-operational phase priority activities.

Notes: ToR Changes made by CBS-MG and supported by ET. Activities will support the 5 priority areas for WIGOS defined by Congress.

Address relevant items of WIGOS Pre-Operational Phase Activities assigned to ET-SBO, details to be forthcoming during work plan period, see individual task sheets for more detail.

Ongoing Co-ordination Lead: Chairperson ET-SBO for overall delivery with lead and contributors for each task identified

1.1Detailed tasks TBD Task Lead: TBD

Task Contributors: TBD

2.

Improving Technical Documents

Draft ToR: Develop and update relevant elements of the WIGOS Regulatory and Guidance materials, including the Manual and the Guide to the GOS and incorporating WIGOS data quality monitoring system recommendations.

Notes: Changes proposed to ToR to remove specific reference to technologies in the ToR.

Review and update the technical regulations and associated guidance material. Priority technologies to be defined early in new intersessional period but will definitely include Radiosonde and will likely include lightning detection systems & GNSS systems.

In time for WIGOS approvals mechanism

Task Lead: TBD Task Contributors: TBD

2.1

Update the Radiosonde regulatory material currently recorded in the Manual on the GOS WMO No.544 and Guide to the GOS WMO No. 488

Draft material generated 2017 and passed to WIGOS EB in 2018

Task Lead: TBD Task Contributors: TBD

30 working days to be assigned to this task.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 22


2.2

Other tasks to be identified TBD Task Lead: TBD


Likely to include a review of lightning detection systems and GNSS based measurement systems

3.

Status of Implementation

Draft ToR: Monitor and assess the status of operational and planned surface-based observing systems and ensure this is adequately described in OSCAR/Surface and associated observational metadata databases.

Notes: Minor modification of ToR to reflect the use of OSCAR/Surface as the official source of observational metadata.

Establish and implement a review mechanism to enable regular assessment of the status of the ET-SBO technology implementation, as described in OSCAR/Surface can be reported against assigned EGOS-IP Actions


Task Lead: TBD


60 days provisionally allocated to this action.

3.1

Make recommendations to OSCAR/Surface ‘maintenance and development’ team for the further enhancement of OSCAR/Surface to improve its functionality

Ongoing Task Lead: TBD


3.2

Further tasks to be confirmed TBD Task Lead: TBD


4.

Meeting User Requirements

Agreed ToR: In collaboration with IPET-OSDE, assess the contribution of current and planned SBO systems to meeting user requirements for all Application Areas;

Notes: No change to ToR.

Provide expert input and reports to IPET-OSDE on the suitability of each observing system in meeting each Application areas requirement

Ongoing Task Lead: TBD


4.1 Contribute to the evolutionary 2017 and Task Lead: TBD

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 23

No. Task Deliverable/Activity Due Responsible Status Commentdevelopment of the Vision for the GOS, being led by IPET-OSDE Task Contributors:

TBD

5.

Delivering the EGOS-IP

Draft ToR: Facilitate the delivery of those EGOS-IP actions identified as priorities by OPAG-IOS, including the identification as appropriate of the technical support required for project implementation plans, including guidance materials, technical specifications and project documentation for resource mobilization activities;

Notes: ToR now includes new CBS-MG ToR 8

Identify EGOS-IP Actions for ET-SBO as lead co-ordination body.

Co-ordination Lead: TBD

5.1

Co-ordinate delivery of EGOS-IP Action G10 – Optimizing the global radiosonde schedule

See EGOS-IP G10 for details.

Ongoing Task Lead: (Tim Oakley) Task Contributors: (RongKang Yang)

Significant consultation with RAs, TCs etc. needed.

5.2

Other actions to be identified. TBD Task Lead: TBD Task Contributors: TBD

6.

Promoting Best Practice

Agreed ToR: Monitor the status of operational networks of SBO systems, promote best practice among WMO Members and provide advice on operational matters;

Note: No change to ToR from previous inter-sessional period.

Establish an improved source for technical advice documents “The SBO Portal” as part of the WIGOS Information Resource. Populate Portal with national best practice documents. Respond to requests for advice from members

Ongoing Task Lead: TBD Task Contributors: TBD

6.1

Specific tasks to be included at a later date.

TBD Task Lead: TBD Task Contributors: TBD

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 24


8.

Reporting Progress to ICT-IOS

Agreed ToR: Provide advice and support to the Chairperson of OPAG-IOS on the implementation of the WIGOS pre-operational phase priority activities.

Note: This is the reporting mechanism

Deliver progress reports and recommendations for changes to operating practices, technical documents and guidance to ICT-IOS during inter-sessional period.

2018 and 2020

Task Lead: Chairperson ET-SBO

8.1Deliver contribution to ICT-IOS-10. April 2018

(tbc)Chairperson ET-SBO with review of report by all members.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 25

4) CBS EXPERT TEAM ON AIRCRAFT-BASED OBSERVING SYSTEMS (ET-ABO) WORK PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2017-2020(Version D4, July 2016 - Based on Terms of Reference Proposed by ICT-IOS-9, April 2016)

ToR Task Deliverable/Activity Comment

(a) Under the direction of the Chairperson of the OPAG-IOS, undertake tasks and provide advice on and support for the implementation of the WIGOS framework and the priority activities of the WIGOS pre-operational phase.

1) Provide representation to relevant IGC-WIGOS work groups, including the TT-WMD and TT-WRM

2) Contribute to OSCAR/Surface development & implementation.

3) Contribute to WIGOS ABO regulatory and guidance development.

1) Representation at meetings and input to work programs of work groups

2) Contribution to OSCAR/Surface ABO metadata development

3) Publication and maintenance of the Guide to Aircraft-Based Observations.

Ongoing from previous inter-sessional period.

(b) In collaboration with the CIMO Expert Team on Aircraft-based Observations, manage and coordinate the Aircraft Based Observations (ABO) programme, including the development and implementation of the ET-ABO work plan and the budget for the corresponding expenditure of the AMDAR Trust Fund in line with its ToR.

1) Hold two sessions of ET-ABO with a possible joint session held with ET-AO.

2) Harmonize annual work plan and budget for ET-ABO with ET-AO annual work plan and budget.

3) Maintain the ABOP Strategy and Implementation Plan.

1) Final report of sessions2) Progress with work program3) Work plans and budgets4) Maintained ABOP Strategy and

Implementation Plan (A-SIP).


CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 26


(c) Provide technical and scientific resources in support of further development of the Aircraft Based Observing System, assist in ABO training and outreach activities and contribute to the CIMO ET-AO Activities.

1) Assist in the development and coordination of regional and national ABO programmes.

2) Undertake regional workshops on ABO/AMDAR.

3) Contribute to national and regional ABO & AMDAR development projects.

4) Under the WMO/EUMETNET MoU, collaborate with E-AMDAR on regional and global development of AMDAR.

5) Promote ABO and AMDAR to relevant aviation bodies.

6) Promote ABO and AMDAR through the AMDAR newsletter.

7) Maintain and enhance the COMET AMDAR Learning module.

1) Development of ABOP Regional Implementation Plans.

2) Establishment of RA ABO work groups.

3) Two regional workshops held annually.

4) Employ part-time ABOP Development Officer under E-AMDAR Program.

5) Establishment of AMDAR programmes in Kenya, Ethiopia and Morocco.

6) Two projects with FLYHT for trial of the AFIRS system in regions I and V.

7) Expanded operational use of WMO AMDAR Onboard Software for B777.

8) Attendance at and reports from AEEC Data-Link User Forum meetings bi-annually.

9) Two volumes annually of the WMO AMDAR Observing System Newsletter.

10) Possible update of the COMET AMDAR Learning Module focussing on data use.


(d) Oversee and assist in the maintenance, enhancement and optimization of the Aircraft Based Observing System, including the AMDAR observing system, in line with the requirements of Members and the recommendations and actions of the EGOS-IP.

1) Liaise with ICAO on data management of ICAO aircraft observations, including input to the ICAO Met. Panel.

2) Work with national and regional programmes to optimize ABO reporting and coverage.

1) Establishment of WAFC authorized regional ABO data processing centres.

2) Improved QC of AIREP and ADS-C aircraft observations.

3) Ongoing supplementary AMDAR data provision, particularly focussed on Region I.


CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 27


(e) Coordinate the development and maintenance of the ABO quality monitoring system as a component of the WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring System.

1) Establish the ABO Global Data Centre (GDC-ABO).

2) Enhance data monitoring and QC in collaboration with monitoring and lead center.

1) Agreement with NOAA on operation of GDC-ABO.

2) GDC-ABO operational.3) Enhanced functions of GDC-

ABO.4) Introduce daily monitoring and

reporting by Lead Centre for ABO.


(f) Coordinate with and report to the work groups of CBS and other Technical Commissions as appropriate and relevant to the ET-ABO work plan and as directed by the Chairperson of the OPAG-IOS.

1) Represent ABO and contribute to the activities of CBS/IPET-OSDE.

1) Representative attendance at IPET-OSDE sessions.


(g) Provide advice and support to the Chairperson of OPAG-IOS, and report on all activities relevant to its Terms of Reference.

1) Report to sessions of ICT-IOS. 1) Representative of ET-ABO to attend and provide report to ICT-IOS sessions.


CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 28

5) PROPOSED EXPERT TEAM ON SATELLITE SYSTEMS (ET-SAT) WORK PROGRAMME FOR THE PERIOD 2016-2019 (LAST UPDATE: 29 FEB 2016)(this work plan is to be presented to the OPAG-IOS Chairperson, then updated by the Team to assign responsibilities, deadlines, and indicate status)

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 29

No. Task (ToR) Deliverable/Activity Due Responsible Status Comment

1

Assess and document, in the framework of the WMO Rolling Review of Requirements, the actual and planned capabilities of operational and R&D satellites constituting the space-based component of WIGOS and their adequacy to meet the WMO requirements for satellite data and products.

This will be achieved in considering the information provided by participating agencies as well as the outcome of CGMS and CEOS, including e.g. the progress of CEOS constellations; the feedback from WMO should be communicated to CGMS and CEOS.

Guide the development and maintenance of OSCAR/SpaceServe as beta-testing group of OSCAR/Space version 2.0

Perform gap analyses (i) in the CGMS baseline, (ii) against the Vision of the GOS/ WIGOS space-based component systems, to inform WMO Members on a regular basis

Perform gap analyses in areas of specific or evolving interest to WMO, such as hydrology, atmospheric composition, space weather

Continuous

1 April – 31 May 2016

ET-SAT and WMO Secretariat

WMO Secretariat to release OSCAR/Space Version 2.0 in May 2016Options for long-term maintenance of OSCAR/Space under development

2

Provide technical advice on implementation of integrated satellite observing systems

Guide the development of the Vision of the WIGOS space-based component systems in 2040, in coordination with IPET-OSDE;

Support WMO information needs on satellite systems, including CBS and WMO Programme guidance material (e.g., Manual on WIGOS)

Continuous until late 2018, as required

Continuous

ET-SAT and WMO SP Secretariat

Developed first draft of Vision, for discussion by CM-13 and IPET-SUP-2 (Jan/Feb 2016)

3

Assess progress of R&D and demonstration satellite systems, and identify opportunities and/or problem areas concerning satellite technology and plans

Present and discuss novel sensor, mission or space technology concepts and their potential utility to WMODiscuss radio frequency issues and highlight them to the SG-RFC as appropriateKeep abreast of developments regarding private operators of basic satellite systems, and provide guidance to WMO

2016 onwards

ET-SAT and WMO SP Secretariat

Coordinate with IPET-SUP and Joint session on Vision 2040 and 3-7 April

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 30

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 31

6) NEW PROPOSED WORK PLAN FOR THE INTER PROGRAMME EXPERT TEAM ON SATELLITE UTILIZATION AND PRODUCTS FOR THE PERIOD 2016-2019

No. Task (ToR) Deliverable/Activity Due Responsible Status

1

Monitor the progress of satellite data availability and use by WMO Members, related issues and expectations, with the aim to publish findings and recommendations in a WMO document

Quadrennial survey

Analysis of responses

Findings and recommendations

Advice to Regional Associations on follow-up actions

WMO document for publicationNext survey

Feb 2016

Apr 2016

Apr 2016

Sep 2016

Jan 20172020

WMO SP Secretariat and IPET-SUP

Survey carried out in the period 8 Feb – 15 Mar 2016;More than 400 responses received

2

Provide advice and support to the development and implementation of WIGOS, from a satellite user's perspective and coordinate with ET-SAT and IPET-OSDE on the evolution of the space-based component of Global Observing Systems;

Contribute to the evolving EGOS IP, the Manual on the GOS, WIGOS Regulatory Material, the Vision for the WIGOS component systems 2040, and the WIGOS IP

Support WMO Programmes (both operational and research) in their satellite data and product-related needs, with focus on marine meteorology and oceanography, climate, hydrology, and atmospheric composition

As required

Continuous IPET - SUP and WMO SP Secretariat

IPET-SUP provided input to the initial Vision for the WIGOS space-based components in 2040

3 Initiate and promote activities to improve the availability of operational and R&D satellite data according to user needs, monitor these activities in close coordination with the relevant working groups, regional associations and with WIS activities

Promote the development and maintenance of Regional Satellite Data Requirements Groups and satellite data requirements in all Regions, as appropriate

Promote activities to advance the Satellite Data Dissemination Strategy:

- Information and guidance- Data requirements- Enhancing data availability

2016 onwards

IPET - SUP and WMO SP Secretariat, with assistance from Int'l WGs

IGDDS and RARS implementation groups

Regional Groups active in RA I, II, III/IV

Development of progress indicators ongoing, including for DBNet

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 32

- Description and Registration- Dissemination and User

Access

Encourage and assist Regional Satellite Data Requirements Coordination Groups in carrying out Region-based user surveys

Ongoing

4

Review present and future R&D satellite data and products including their availability and potential applications, and provide advice with a view of increased utilization by WMO Members;

Review of relevance and availability of R&D satellite data, based on global/regional requirements;

Strengthen interaction with R&D agencies in the area of altimetry, soil moisture, precipitation, and climate

Make recommendations for improved availability, information and training, especially for developing countries

Collect case studies to demonstrate the value of satellite data for hydrological applications

Ongoing

2017

IPET - SUP and WMO SP Secretariat

Participation in relevant fora, focus WMO survey on these topics and interaction with CEOS as appropriate

5

Review, and assist in addressing, the needs of WMO Members and regional associations for information regarding satellite capabilities and in particular access to and utilization of satellite data and products;

Maintain OSCAR/Space and a list of satellite data access points, processing and analysis software tools on WMO webpage

Support activities to achieve user readiness for the new generation of meteorological satellites, including the development of guidelines for users and satellite operators

2016/2(continued yearly)

IPET - SUP and WMO SP Secretariat

Best practices for achieving user readiness (Reference User Readiness Project) published; Next-generation of OSCAR/ Space, Product Access Guide and SATURN online

6 Promote development and harmonization of satellite data and products responding to WMO Members’ needs, and develop and

Provide guidance to Sustained Co-ordinated Processing of Environmental Satellite Data (SCOPE) for Climate Monitoring as a key

2016-2018 IPET - SUP and WMO SP Secretariat, SCOPE-CM

SCOPE-CM IP under review

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 33

update relevant elements of the WIGOS regulatory and guidance materials, including the Manual and the Guide to the GOS and the WIGOS quality data monitoring system

contribution to the architecture for climate monitoring from space.

Continue to develop and promote the SCOPE-Nowcasting, initiative and support the work of the coordinating group.

Collaborate with WIGOS, WIS and CGMS on developing data format and metadata standards, as well as procedures for monitoring satellite data availability and quality

Promote the exploitation of commonalities of instruments on the new meteorological satellites in generation of product and training material

Executive Panel, and SCOPE-Nowcasting Coordination Group

Four Pilot Projects in progress

7

Keep under review the needs of WMO Members for training in satellite meteorology and related fields, and engage with the Management Group of the Virtual Laboratory for Education and Training in Satellite Meteorology (VLab) to address these needs, towards full utilization of satellite data from operational and R&D satellites, in accordance with the 2015–2019 Virtual Laboratory Training Strategy;

Regular reviews of the VLab status, activities and plans (training resources, courses, meetings, newsletters);

Support existing VLab CoEs and the establishment of new ones;

Provide guidance to meet users' needs, especially from less developed Members and for the next generation of satellites;

Explore training partnerships

Contribution to training resource development

Continuous activity

VLMG, WMO SP Office and IPET-SUP

VLab 2015-2019 strategy updated

Events on user preparedness planned

Joint COSPAR/VLab training event on space weather planned for August 2016

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 34

8

Holding joint and/or overlapping meetings with ET-SAT as appropriate, to facilitate interaction between users and providers of satellite systems, data and products

Plan for joint session of ET-SAT and IPET-SUP in 2017

2017/4

WMO SP Office

9

Coordinate with ET-SAT with a view to making recommendations and receiving input on matters, such as the exchange, management, and archiving of satellite data and products, radio frequency utilization, as well as education and training and other appropriate capacity-building measures related to the use of satellite data in all WMO Programmes, including support to resource mobilization activities;

As above

Exchange meeting reports

Engage with ET-SAT on specific issues as required, such as developing the Vision for WIGOS space-based component systems in 2040

Ongoing

WMO SP Office, IPET-SUP Chairperson

10

Coordinate with WMO Technical Commissions and Programmes, including co-sponsored Programmes, activities related to satellite utilization and products, through ex-officio membership on the Team

Increase engagement with WMO Technical Commissions, including JCOMM, CCl and CHy

Develop and implement communications strategy

Ongoing

2015/4

IPET-SUP Chairperson and WMO SP Office

IPET-SUP Chairperson

_____________

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 35

Annex 2

WORLD WEATHER WATCH MONITORING INFORMATION

40%

60%

80%

100%

Perc

enta

ge o

f rep

orts

rece

ived

Year

Oct-04

Oct-05

Oct-06

Oct-07

Oct-08

Oct-09

Oct-10

Oct-11

Oct-12

Oct-13

Oct-14

Oct-15

Region I 53% 55% 54% 54% 56% 59% 58% 56% 57% 57% 55% 60%Region II 84% 88% 89% 89% 91% 90% 93% 92% 92% 92% 93% 95%Region III 62% 58% 61% 63% 65% 61% 65% 70% 68% 69% 70% 69%Region IV 86% 81% 79% 79% 83% 84% 84% 89% 85% 84% 89% 90%Region V 69% 69% 72% 73% 73% 74% 75% 79% 73% 77% 82% 87%Region VI 94% 93% 95% 95% 96% 96% 96% 97% 97% 96% 95% 97%Antarctica 67% 74% 67% 69% 68% 68% 82% 77% 92% 62% 61% 61%Total 77% 78% 79% 78% 80% 80% 81% 83% 82% 82% 83% 87%

Percentage of SYNOP reports received during the 2004 to 2015 October AGM/IWM in comparison with the numbers of

reports required from the RBSN stations

Figure 2a. Time trend of the percentage of observations received during the Annual Global Monitoring during the period 2004 to 2015. (a) Surface reports

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 36

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Perc

enta

ge o

f rep

orts

rece

ived

Year

Oct-04

Oct-05

Oct-06

Oct-07

Oct-08

Oct-09

Oct-10

Oct-11

Oct-12

Oct-13

Oct-14

Oct-15


Percentage of TEMP reports received during the 2004 to 2015 October AGM/IWM in comparison with the numbers of reports

required from the RBSN stations

Figure 1b. Time trend of the percentage of observations received during the Annual Global Monitoring during the period 2004 to 2015. (a) Upper air reports

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 37

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Perc

enta

ge o

f rep

orts

rece

ived

Year

Oct-04

Oct-05

Oct-06

Oct-07

Oct-08

Oct-09

Oct-10

Oct-11

Oct-12

Oct-13

Oct-14

Oct-15


Percentage of CLIMAT reports received during the 2004 to 2015 October AGM/IWM in comparison with the numbers of

reports required from the RBCN stations

Figure 1c. Time trend of the percentage of observations received during the Annual Global Monitoring during the period 2004 to 2015. (c) Surface climate reports

Figure 3. Symbols used to indicate the percentage of reports shown in Figures 3-8.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 38

Figure 4. Percentage of required surface reports from RBSN stations during the World Weather Watch monitoring period 1-15 October 2015. The key to this figure is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5. Percentage of required upper air reports from RBSN stations during the World Weather Watch monitoring period 1-15 October 2015. The key to this figure is shown in Figure 3.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 39

Figure 6. Percentage of required CLIMAT reports from RBCN stations during the World Weather Watch monitoring period 1-15 October 2015. The key to this figure is shown in Figure 3.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 40

Figure 7. Percentage of required surface reports from ANTON stations during the World Weather Watch Special Antarctic monitoring period 1-15 January 2016. The key to this figure is shown in Figure 3.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 41

Figure 8. Percentage of required upper air reports from ANTON stations during the World Weather Watch Special Antarctic monitoring period 1-15 January 2016. The key to this figure is shown in Figure 3.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 42

Figure 9. Percentage of required climate reports from ANTON stations during the World Weather Watch Special Antarctic monitoring period 1-15 January 2016. The key to this figure is shown in Figure 3.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 43

Figure 10. Symbols used to indicate the percentage of reports shown in Figures 10-12.

Figure 11. Percentage of required surface reports from RBSN stations during the World Weather Watch monitoring period 1-15 October 2015. Percentages for TAC and TDCF are shown as left- and right-facing arrows respectively. The key to this figure is shown in Figure 10.

CBS-16/INF. 2.2, p. 44

Figure 12. Percentage of required upper air reports from RBSN stations during the World Weather Watch monitoring period 1-15 October 2015. Percentages for TAC and TDCF are shown as left- and right-facing arrows respectively. The key to this figure is shown in Figure 10.

Figure 13. Percentage of required climate reports from RBCN stations during the World Weather Watch monitoring period 1-15 October 2015. Percentages for TAC and TDCF are shown as left- and right-facing arrows respectively. The key to this figure is shown in Figure 10

_____________