GCOS/GTOS Plan for Terrestrial Climate-Related Observations


Global Terrestrial Observing System

Version 2.0

GTOS - 12

GCOS - 32

WMO/TD-No. 796

UNEP/DEIA/Tr.97-7

Table of Contents


Table of Contents


TERRESTRIAL OBSERVATION PANEL FOR CLIMATE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PREFACE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction
1.2 The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)
1.3 The Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS)
1.4 Use of the Data

2. BIOSPHERE

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Understanding Climate Impact on the Biosphere and Feedbacks to Climate
2.3 Modelling Approaches

3. HYDROSPHERE

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Understanding Climate Impact on Hydrological Regimes and Feedbacks to Climate
3.3 Hydrological Variables Required for GCMs
3.4 Hydrological Variables Required for Biospheric Models

4. CRYOSPHERE

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Interaction Between the Cryosphere and the Climate System
4.3 Variables Required for GCMs

5. SAMPLING DESIGN

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Concept
5.3 Measurement Strategy
5.4 Site Selection
5.5 Selection of Variables

6. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

6.1 Introduction
6.2 Data Management for the Biosphere
6.3 Data Management for the Hydrosphere
6.4 Data Management for the Cryosphere
6.5 Conclusions and Recommendations for Improvements to Data and Information Management

7. IMPLEMENTATION

7.1 The Challenge of Implementation
7.2 Implementation of the Tier Sampling Scheme
7.3 Management of the Tier Sampling Scheme
7.4 Initial Operational System for the Biosphere
7.5 Initial Operational System for the Hydrosphere
7.6 Initial Operational System for the Cryosphere

8. CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY

ANNEXES

Annex I. Details of Recommended Variables
Annex II. Details on Cryospheric Variables
Annex III. Literature Cited
Annex IV. Abbreviations
Annex V. List of GCOS Publications