Ocean Observing System Status & 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