Appendix II. Workshop Agenda

Terrestrial Carbon Observation Synthesis Workshop

Ottawa, Canada

OBJECTIVES:

1. Assemble and summarize existing information on information requirements regarding terrestrial carbon cycle.

2. Assemble and synthesize existing information on observation requirements needed to obtain the carbon cycle information, assuming that top-down (inversion modeling) and bottom-up (ecosystem modelling) strategies are employed in an integrated manner. All important data/observation requirements are to be considered (satellite, surface, atmospheric, etc.)

3. Evaluate the consistency, completeness, and reliability of the information on observation requirements defined above, and refine these to the extent possible.

4. Conduct initial evaluation of existing data or observations in relation to the observation requirements, identify major gaps or deficiencies, and propose solutions to the extent possible.

5. Identify actions that need to be taken to: complete the definition of observation requirements; complete the analysis of deficiencies of existing observations and needed remedies; link terrestrial and ocean carbon cycle observations; and prepare a report on the terrestrial carbon observation theme for IGOS-P.

6. Based on the above, prepare a ‘straw man’ framework report as an input for a joint IGBP/GTOS meeting in May, 2000. This meeting will engage the scientific community more fully to complete the design of a comprehensive approach to terrestrial carbon observations and the links between terrestrial and ocean components of the global carbon cycle.

AGENDA:

DAY 1: am

Chair: Gosz

A. Setting the stage

B. Current and anticipated information needs regarding global terrestrial carbon distribution - presentations

Questions to be addressed in each presentation:

a) what specific information on terrestrial carbon is required, and why?

b) to provide that information, what specific observations are required, and at which spatial and temporal resolutions?

The above is to be based on existing/published information and presented in a structured way, to the extent possible

C. Observation requirements for selected regional studies

Question to be addressed: What are the observational requirements of a ‘dual constraint’ approach to terrestrial carbon distribution? The review is to be based on existing/published studies/information, to the extent possible

DAY 2 am:

Chair: Cihlar

Charge: synthesize existing information on a) information and b) observation requirements. For each variable, be specific in terms of observations required/missing, what, where, how made, how many needed. Consider specifically data needs for initial conditions, boundary conditions; for model development/testing, and validation of products. If feasible, suggest how the information gaps might be filled, using expertise available at the workshop. Summarize the findings using a consistent format.

Evening social event

DAY 3

Chair: Denning

D. Status of observations and networks - presentations

Question:

a) What data collection systems/observation networks are available related to terrestrial carbon, and what is their present status?

b)What data are available for terrestrial carbon, and what are their characteristics (completeness, quality, availability), both current and past?

c)How good are our capabilities of extracting quantitative biophysical parameters from raw measurements?

Charge:

a) Review and document adequacy and completeness of existing observation networks/capabilities: satellite, fluxes, stocks, atmospheric

b) Review and document existing data sets: satellite, fluxes, stocks, atmospheric

DAY 4

Chair: Gosz

Charge:

Identify unresolved issues (compare requirements with current situation, as follow-up based on results of the first breakout); potential solutions, steps to be taken, etc.

OUTPUTS:

A strawman report with:

- synthesized information requirements

- existing observation networks and data sets

- observation gaps and potential solutions

- further actions required