Ocean Observing SystemStatus & Issues
for GODAE
D.E. Harrison
OOPC
IGST-X
November 2005
Outline
• Planning
• Status of system implementation
• Reporting to UNFCCC
• GEOSS linkage
• Some Issues
PLANNING
• GCOS IP completed & accepted by UNFCCC and GEOSS 10-yr plan
• Review/Revision of IGOS-P Ocean Theme report
• GCOS/CEOS group to address CEOS response to GCOS IP. Continuity & Climate quality of satellite data streams
• Non-physical variables need more attention• Linkages w. coastal systems?• Collaboration with tsunami/natural disaster?
Status of Implementation
• Modest in-situ system progress (~50% of GCOS IP). Argo going forward well
• Satellite suite good at moment (trouble w. ice satellites, tho’), but concern about continuity & quality in future
• Continuing challenge getting national reporting (and planning)
• Continuing lack of international forum for discussion and development of national commitments
DRIFTERS & MOORINGS SEPT. 2005
Ships of Opportunity SEPT. 2005
ARGO Profiling Floats SEPT 2005
2006 ?
• Budget concerns in US• Hoped to increase number of real time
reporting tide gauges (~50)• Argo growth projected to continue• Ocean carbon/repeat hydro development• Satellite advocacy• JCOMM/GOOS panel for non-physical
variables?
Reporting to UNFCCC
• Conference of the Parties has called for annual reporting on status of implementation of ocean observing system
• First such report given in May 2005• Very limited response from nations to request
for response to GCOS IP.• Took a positive tack by emphasizing number
of nations contributing tide gauges• Interest level was considerable• NEED INDICES for COMMUNITY INTEREST
GEOSS Linkage
• GEOSS 10-year plan links strongly to GCOS IP
• Development of 2006 Work Plan still underway. Some unease with draft
• Desirability of higher profile for ocean in GEOSS
Some Issues
• Present plan weak on non-physical variables and ecosystems. Technical challenges considerable. R&D needs considerable.
• Feedback from users has been non-specific • Evaluation/evolution actions limited to date• Subsurface index development slow• Surface flux issues…’SURFA’ efforts?• Can we get increased advocacy, including
from coastal groups? I-GOOS? Others?• National engagements with IP limited• System faces possibility of major disruption