1. Phil Jones and Caterina Tassone September 2017
AOPC Report
GCOS SC
Ken Holmlund
Phil Jones and Caterina Tassone September 2017
Hangzhou, China

2. Content
Organisation
Actions
Observations
Other

3. Organisation
Need to raise panel’s member participation through the year
Regular teleconferences with Chairs and Secretariat (ca every 2 weeks)
Full panel webex meetings every three months
Interaction between the 3 panels should also be improved,
Teleconference through the year to address the actions which are cross-cutting
Not yet organized
AOPC23: Darmstadt, EUMETSAT 6 – 9 March 2018

4. Membership 1 Ken HOLMLUND Chairman EUMETSAT Finland EO Satellites 2014
NAME
Affiliation
COUNTRY
SPECIALTY/
EXPERTISE
MEMBER SINCE
ATTENDANCE
Status 2017
STATUS 1
Ken HOLMLUND Chairman
EUMETSAT
Finland
EO Satellites
2014
3 of 3
1st Duty Cycle
will end after 2017 session -
Matthew MENNE
NOAA/NCDC
USA
CDRs
2012
5 of 6
Ended
Andreas BECKER
GPCC/DWD
Germany
Precipitation
Roger SAUNDERS
Met Office UK
ESA CCI
James BUTLER
NOAA/ESRL
Atm. composition
2007
9 of 10 2
Philip JONES
(Deputy Chair)
University of East Anglia
Temperature
1999
18 of 18
Extended by SC 23
Until 2018 3
Zhanqing LI
University of Maryland, USA
Clouds/precip/aerosol processes
2016
1 of 2
will end after 2018 session 4
Peng ZHANG
NSMC/CMA
Beijing, China
China
satellites
2 of 2 5
Olga KALASHNIKOVA
JPL, California
aerosols 6
Peter THORNE
Maynooth Uni-Ireland
Upper-Air / Surface refs 7
Shinya KOBAYASHI
JMA
Japan
Reanalysis
2017
will end after 2019 session 8
Elizabeth KENT
NOC
Marine Meteorology
1 of 1
will end after 2020 session 9
Rainer HOLLMANN
DWD
Remote Sensing
New 10
Imke DURRE
NOAA/NCEI
Applied Clim. 11
Dale HURST
CIRES/
NOAA ESRL
Atm. Composition 12
VACANT
Clouds/Lightning
Membership

5. Membership AOPC requests:
Take note of the termination of the Memberships
Matthew Menne, Andreas Becker, Roger Saunders, James Butler
Confirmation of Membership of
Elizabeth KENT, Rainer HOLLMANN, Imke DURRE, Dale HURST
Approve filling current open position based on
Clouds and lightning and/or radar
Or radiation

6. AOPC-22 Exeter (UK) – 27-31 March 2017 Implementation Plan: ECV
Address atmospheric related actions from IP
ECV
ECV requirements (mechanism for maintaining, reviewing and revising ECV requirements-G10) and review of ECV Observation network (G13-IP)
Upper air, Clouds, Radiosondes
Metadata standards
GCOS Surface Reference Network
Use of weather radar for climatology studies
Climate Indicators

7. AOPC-22 Summary 4 Task Teams established to address IP actions
Each atmospheric related action of IP is assigned to a AOPC member, who is responsible to coordinate and report to the panel on the action.
ECV stewards : ECV are assigned to a AOPC member who is responsible for reviewing and updating the User Requirements in the IP.
Update of progress: webex every 3 months with all panel members.

8. Actions from the 22 AOPC meeting
Status of Actions
Actions from the 22 AOPC meeting
23 Actions
6 completed
15 Started and ongoing
2 Not started yet
7 on requirements
ECVs, OSCAR, radiosondes
6 on observations
Cloud and WV profiling, lightning, radar, CATCOS
3 on networks
GSRN, ECV, access
2 on IP
GHG, Identification of experts (Book captains)
5 Various
GCOS-WCRP coop, Open Data Policy, meta data, parallel obs coll.

9. AOPC-22 Elevated Actions
Who
When
 Status
GCOS and WCRP cooperation
GCOS and WCRP secretariats to develop a formal process for collecting observing requirements from the research community.
GCOS Sec
January
GCOS Secretariat has prepared a survey to collect requirements for Climate monitoring from the broader community. The survey has now been shared with the WCRP Secretariat for comments and will soon be shared with panels chairs
ECV Requirements:
Write a complete description of the Climate Application Area (Climate monitoring) to be submitted to the other two panels, to be used for the OSCAR/requirements DB
Carolin, Caterina
April
Completed
OSCAR Requirements:
Secretariat to discuss with the other Panels the use of 3 values for the requirements table
GCOS Secretaria t
GCOS SC
 Ongoing
Discussed with OOPC and TOPC. Questions is how many values to use? 2 or 3?

10. AOPC-22 Elevated Actions
Who
When
 Status
Requirements on Cloud Profiling:
Consider how to bring this up at CEOS and CGMS
Ken, Carolin
Ongoin g
 Done
Updates also provided for WIGOS2040
Meta data standards:
Facilitate contact with regard to the potential for the Copernicus service to use OSCAR (WIGOS). OSCAR only uses pub 9 as id, but Copernicus needs a larger set of station.
Caterin a and Valentin
End of June
 C3S 311a Lots
AOPC to communicate to the other panels the decision to use WIGOS metadata standards and follow up. Set up a joint group to consider an extension for climate records standards that can build up on work already done by the climate CEOS CGMS JWG.
GCOS Secreta riat
GCOS SC
Parallel observations collection and analysis effort:
GCOS sec to raise this issue with other panels

11. Actions from the GCOS IP
Status of Actions
Actions from the GCOS IP
40 Actions:
28 Started and ongoing
7 Not started yet
5 for future

12. International exchange of SYNOP and CLIMAT reports Status
Action A3
International exchange of SYNOP and CLIMAT reports
Status
Explanation
Obtain further progress in the systematic international exchange of both hourly SYNOP reports and daily and monthly CLIMAT reports from all stations
Benefit
Enhanced holdings data archives
Time Frame
Continuous, with significant improvement in receipt of RBSN synoptic and CLIMAT data by 2019
Who
NMHSs, regional centres in coordination/cooperation with WMO CBS, and with advice from AOPC
Performance Indicator
Data archive statistics at data centres
Background
This has to be considered not only a work of monitoring, but where gaps are found, it requires an action.
Responsible within AOPC: GSNMC, Andreas Becker
Timeframe/ deliverables:
Annual report and presentation to AOPC
20th June
Sent to Andreas
20th Sep.
None – send an to Andreas asking for input (Secretariat)

13. Surface Observing stations transition to automatic Status
Action A4
Surface Observing stations transition to automatic
Status
Explanation
Follow guidelines and procedures for the transition from manual to automatic surface observing stations
Benefit
More stable time series
Time Frame
Ongoing
Who
Parties operating GSN stations for implementation. WMO CCl, in cooperation with WMO CIMO, WMO CBS for review
Performance Indicator
Implementation noted in national communications and relevant information provided
Background
Ongoing challenge, despite there being support and documentation on how to manage the change. KNMI report (need details of this).Parallel observations database project being led by Victor (also Victor would like any parallel measurements)
Responsible within AOPC: Phil Jones
Timeframe/ deliverables:
Annual report and presentation to AOPC, With KNMI report as an example, request from WMO Regional Associations and Technical Commissions any other national and regional reports (and datasets of parallel measurements that might be available).
20th June
Phil has sent an to Albert Klein-Tank at KNMI to see if he can get the KNMI document about the transfer to AWSs.
No progress for the parallel measurements.
The only way we’re likely to make any progress here is to for a letter to go from GCOS to all members, or for this to be raised at Regional Association meetings.
20th Sep.
Phil has now access to several documents about requirements for the transition and KNMI reports on monitoring the transition. There are several documents also from CIMO and expert teams.
Phil will provide to Ken ½ page of summary, which will also mention the need of parallel measurements.

14. Discussion on parallel observations IP action A4
There are links here to IP Action #6 and also AOPC22 Action 22/20
Two relevant documents:
CIMO Management Group (Thirteenth Session) Work Plan for CIMO Expert Team on Operational In-Situ Technologies (ET-OIST).
There are links to actions within CIMO, CBs and also WIGOS and OSCAR.
WMO Guidance Note on ‘Challenges in transition period from conventional to automatic networks for longer-term climate networks.
There are sections on Background, Discussion of practices, maintenance and filtering of observations
The Guidance parts includes a 2-page section on parallel measurements, but nothing is said about lodging the measurements somewhere.
With the parallel measurements, it is assumed that NMSs take these as they are recommended in the WMO/CCL Guidance documents.
Risk these get filed away and eventually lost within NMSs.
A central archive is needed that the NMSs can use (who sets this up).

15. Discussion on parallel observations IP action A4
Discussion/Recommendation Points for the GCOS SC
Guidance is available (or this update will provide) it, but the operative word is Guidance
Recommendations are there for many of our surface ECVs.
Parallel measurements are suggested (including ways of getting them when they are not, i.e. using more distant as opposed to adjacent instruments). As said, there is no recommendation to lodge these in any central archive.
Guidance is also given on homogeneity of records, and of issues with AWSs that could cause problems for the whole network (e.g. changing the observation schedule for the whole network, such as change of time of observation. It is quite easy with automated readings to get a ‘true’ daily mean from midnight to midnight, but most NWSs measure between 6 and 9 am).
There are also examples of where modern parallel measurements have been made to determine adjustment factors for changes in observing methods and practices decades ago, or in the 19th century.
Useful if a series of slides could be developed for presentation at RA meetings?

16. Incorporating national sunshine records into data centres Status
Action A10
Incorporating national sunshine records into data centres
Status
Explanation
National sunshine records should be incorporated into International Data Centres
Benefit
Better description of surface radiation fields
Time Frame
Implement in next 2 years
Who
NMHS
Performance Indicator
Performance indicator. Sunshine record archive established in international data centres and in analysis centres by 2018
Background
National sunshine records into Data Centres
Responsible within AOPC:
Timeframe/ deliverables: Future
20th June
20th Sep.
Both for A10 and A12: Many data are in private hands and risk to be lost. We need to encourage them to make the data available. Ken to discuss during SC-25 how to convince private sector to share data

17. Surface radiation data to the World Radiaiton Data Centre Status
Action A12
Surface radiation data to the World Radiaiton Data Centre
Status
Explanation
Submit surface radiation data with quality indicators from national networks to the WRDC; expand deployment of surface radiation measurements over ocean
Benefit
Expand central archive; data crucial to constrain global radiation budgets and for satellite product validation; more data over ocean would fill an existing gap.
Time Frame
Who
NMHS and others, in collaboration with WRDC
Performance Indicator
Data availability in WRDC
Background
Responsible within AOPC:
Timeframe/ deliverables:
Future
20th June
20th Sep.
Both for A10 and A12: Many data are in private hands and risk to be lost. We need to encourage them to make the data available. Ken to discuss during SC-25 how to convince private sector to share data

18. Action A29 Lightning Status Explanation
To define the requirement for lightning measurements, including data exchange, for climate monitoring and to encourage space agencies and operators of ground-based systems to provide global coverage and reprocessing of existing datasets
Benefit
Ability to monitor trends in severe storms
Time Frame
Requirements to be defined by 2017
Who
GCOS AOPC and space agencies
Performance Indicator
Update to Annex A for lightning and commitments by space agencies to include lightning imagers on all geostationary platforms. Reprocessed satellite datasets of lightning produced.
Background
Responsible within AOPC:
Timeframe/ deliverables:
20th June
Talked to CCl and will work in cooperation with them.
20th Sep.
Task team currently set up. ToR drafted and experts asked.
Ken to discuss during SC-25 how to convince private sector to share data

19. Task Teams Four Task Teams on :
The use of Weather Radar for Climate Studies
The instigation of a GCOS Surface Reference Network
The GCOS Upper Air Network (GUAN)
Lightning Observations for Climate Applications

20. Task Team on the use of Weather Radar for Climate Studies
AOPC-22 (Exeter, UK, March 2017) agreed on the creation of a dedicated task-team for the use of weather radar for Climate studies.
Terms of Reference Completed
Team setup finalized – Chair Elena Saltikoff (FMI)
Kick-off meeting August 2017
Work plan done #
Lead
Others
When D1
Climate Requirements
Elena, Andreas
W.Wright, OSCAR
*10 November for review
* Draft November 2017
* Congress in May 2018 D2
Archive Inventory
Caterina
Bernard and Elena for questions,
WRD(Turkey), Dean Lockett, William to review
Survey out 1 Jan.
Analysis by March (presentation for GCOS) D3
Guide to storage
Bernard
Paul Joe,
IPET-OWR
First draft end October D4
Guide to handle historical data
Elena and Bernard
TBD after D2
To be reconsidered after the D2 D5
Journal paper BAMS , WMO Bulletin
Elena, Rainer, Bernard, Andreas
All of us + friends, Turkey
Summer 2018

21. Task Team on The instigation of a GCOS Surface Reference Network
AOPC-22 (Exeter, UK, March 2017) agreed on creation of a dedicated task-team to scope a potential GCOS global surface reference network. The potential for such a network has been proposed by GCOS AOPC and by the Commission for Climatology.
A white paper has been developed by members of the community at the request of these parties, and is to be submitted for publication.
This Task Team is charged with taking this forwards towards practical implementation providing a concrete roadmap as to what would be required and to canvas stakeholders.
Working models on which to base deliberations include the GCOS Reference Upper Air Network, US Climate Reference Network, and Global Cryospheric Watch.
Terms of Reference Completed
Team setup finalized – Howard Diamond (USA)
Kick-off meeting planned 1 – 3 November

22. Task Team on the GCOS Upper Air Network (GUAN)
AOPC-22 (Exeter, UK, March 2017) agreed on the creation of a dedicated task-team to deliver progress upon a number of actions in the GCOS Implementation Plan (GCOS 200) related to the operation and monitoring of the GCOS Upper Air Network:
Reviewing the network requirements;
Assessing and documenting the benefits of meeting stated requirements;
How it contributes as a baseline network in the tiered network framework with GRUAN and the comprehensive network.
Draft Terms of Reference completed
Team setup – Chair TBC
Kick-off meeting planned for December 2017

23. Task Team on Lightning Observations for Climate Applications
AOPC-22 (Exeter, UK, March 2017) agreed on the creation of a dedicated task-team for the use of lightning observations for climate applications.
This has been further discussed with CCl, who have a Task Team on the Use of Remote Sensing Data for Climate that intended also to work on lightning monitoring for climate applications.
As the CCl Task Team never really strted to work on lightning it is now intended to have a joint AOPC/CCl Task Team.
Draft Terms of Reference under discussion
Team setup under discussion

24. Satellite observations
Satellite-based ECVs
Stronger coordination by the CEOS/CGMS Joint Working Group on Climate
Requirements consolidation
Inventory and gap-analysis draft done
To be used also for mapping ECV data sources

25. Ground-based observations
In-situ/ground based ECVs
ECV in-situ and reanalysis Data Sources
Table prepared and under review
Coordinated with GEOSS
Gaia-CLIM -> maturity of networks (to be used for satellite data)

26. The C3S 311a Family 4 contracts 8 million euros 2017-2021
Lot 1 – data rescue – Met Office lead
Data discovery
Data rescue tools
Data rescue -> repositories
Lot 2 – access to global land and marine observations – Maynooth lead
Fulfill action A2 in IP (see also ) - integrated access to land holdings (across ECVs and hourly to monthly)
Collect and integrate wealth of global, regional and national data holdings
Improvements to ICOADS

27. The C3S 311a family
Lot 3 - access to baseline and reference observation networks – lead CNR
Baseline and reference networks access
Particular attention to uncertainty quantification
Several atmospheric ECVs and including most GCOS Baseline networks and GRUAN
Lot 4 – European data products – lead KNMI
Support for ECA&D
Sustained access and development to E-OBS
AOPC Co-chair participates

28. Other Financing and changes in the global landscape
E.g. GRUAN, ISCCP, ICOADS
C3S funding is good, but may have some downsides, e.g. funding projects outside Europe
Funding of observations?

29. GRUAN Provisional resignation of GRUAN Co-Chair G. Bodeker
Opportunity to review organisation of GRUAN activities
Way forward, including financial support, to be held with Stakeholders including WMO and DWD, GCOS and AOPC

30. Conclusion
AOPC work follows the outline of work plan given at last GCOS SC
SC is invited to take note and comment on the progress off activities and following specific items:
Confirmation of Membership of
Elizabeth KENT, Rainer HOLLMANN, Imke DURRE, Dale HURST
Approve filling current open position based on
Clouds and lightning and/or radar, or radiation

31. Conclusion SC is invited Provide Guidance on:
Way forward on GRUAN governance
Use of OSCAR and parameters (goal/threshold/breakthrough) and approach across all panels
Metadata use of WIGOS and Joint WG across all panels
Approach across all panels for parallel observations
Access to data from private sector
Sunshine, radiation, lightning, etc