1. Introduction to GCOS Richard K. Thigpen Implementation Project Manager GCOS Secretariat Geneva

2. GSN and GUAN Stations In South America

3. Stations Mostly Run by NMHS Should be your best stations Good Long Continuous Operational Record Quality Needed not Quantity Historical Record Available Part of your Regional and National Responsibility Not Something additional Must be Important to You GSN and GUAN

4. Performance of Stations In SA Most Stations are Working See Report of last 5 years performance Some Historical Data for most GSN Stations Monthly (CLIMAT) data fairly complete Daily data available for few stations Several requests from WMO for Historical NCDC may have more Historical Data

7. Some GCOS Initiatives Regional Workshops have increased awareness 10 Regional Workshops Recent Africa Strategy Meeting Direct Renovation of stations Upper Air Equipment and H2 generators Surface Instruments Supply of consumables

8. Technical Support Projects Pacific, Caribbean, SADC Active Support to Stations Improved Station Meta data Workshops for Improved Upper Air Observing Training by Experts on Upper Air Techniques Previous in South America, next in Africa Established CBS Lead Centers for GCOS data Japan, Iran, Morocco, US, Australia, British Antarctic Survey, Chile, Germany Work Together to Improve GSN and GUAN GCOS Initiatives

9. Workshops for CLIMAT/CLIMAT TEMP Preparation Previous in Africa, Next in South America Instruction on Format and Content Sponsored by WWW, WCP, and GCOS CLIREP Software Developed Prepares CLIMAT/ CLIMAT TEMP Reports GCOS Cooperative Mechanism Additional Donors Permit these Activities GCOS Initiatives

10. Some South American Activities Chile is CBS Lead Center for South America Upper Air Workshop Completed CLIMAT/CLIMAT TEMP Workshop in Buenos Aires 25-27 October Improve quality of Monthly reports Technical Support Project for South America Invited all Met Services last year, No responses! Again this year, perhaps inviting Private Sector Possible South American Strategy Meeting?

11. We Need Your Help GSN Historical Daily Data Requests for Historical Daily data Unanswered Up Date and Correct RBSN, RBCN, Pub 9 Vol A National GCOS Focal Point List

12. Muchas Gracias RKT