A) WHERE SHOULD TOPC AGENDA BE IN 5 YEARS - GOALS:
1. Assist in the establishment of networks; ensure their longer-term viability including necessary ongoing support of GCOS/GTOS. Functional networks will be established for ecology, glaciers, permafrost, and hydrology.
2. Stimulate completion or near-completion of two demonstration projects, Net Primary Productivity NPP) and Global Observations of Forest Cover (GOFC).
3. Stimulate compilation of critical data sets for use in IPCC or for other important users.
4. Demonstrate continuing responsiveness to (changing) requirements, including those flowing from IGBP, IPCC, and convention secretariats, WCRP.
B) TOPC WORK PLAN FOR 1998/99
1. Networks establishment
1.1 Ecological network:
Task 1: Support GT-Net and GTOS Secretariat in establishing the network
Approach:
Assist with climate-related issues
TOPC role: support
TOPC lead: Kibby
1.2 Glaciers network:
Task 2: Continue leading the implementation of the network, to be completed within a year
Approach:
Complete documentation (strategy, guidelines, and letter of invitation)
Formally invite countries/sites
Receive response, initiate 'operation'
TOPC role: lead
TOPC lead: Haeberli (Barry)
Task 3: Identify gaps in existing coverage (tiers 3-5) and implement improvements where feasible
Approach:
Prepare a strategy/plan for:
tier 3 (Himalayas, Andes, and New Zealand)
tier 4 (glacier length measurements)
tier 5 (link with satellite-based measurements)
Initiate implementation
TOPC role: lead
TOPC lead: Haeberli (Barry)
1.3 Permafrost network:
Task 4: Assist the IPA in setting up the network, using the same conceptual approach as for glaciers.
Approach:
Prepare the strategy, guidelines and invitation
Initiate implementation
TOPC role: co-lead with IPA
TOPC lead: Barry (Haeberli)
1.4 Hydrological network:
Task 5: Collaborate with other interested groups in setting up a hydrological network, ensuring that the needs of GTOS and GCOS are met
Approach:
Investigate availability of existing GRDC runoff data sets, and make appropriate recommendations
Approach FRIEND re general availability of the data sets for climate-related applications
Working with GRDC, propose a global sampling scheme for runoff data, and make appropriate recommendations
Work with WHYCOS to ensure the availability of WHYCOS data for climate-related applications
Work with IAHS, IGBP and others to design and initiate pristine watershed sample for climate change detection
Publicise TOPC/GCOS/GTOS observation requirements and activities
TOPC role: initiate
TOPC lead: Landwehr
2. Implementation activities
2.1 Demonstration projects
Task 6: Cooperate with GT-Net in implementing the NPP/NEP project
Approach:
Provide technical and organizational leadership
Develop detailed plan of action; organize participants meeting,....
TOPC role: technical lead
TOPC lead: Running
Task 7: Continue to promote GTOS and GCOS interests in the GOFC project
Approach:
Ensure that TOPC provide effective direction to the GOFC
Attend meetings; provide inputs, influence development
TOPC role: oversee development
TOPC lead: Cihlar
2.2 Databases
Task 8: Assist in the development of a metadata base for terrestrial climate-related networks and sites participating in the G3OSs
Approach:
Develop concept
Assist secretariats of initiated networks in implementation
TOPC role: support
TOPC lead: Norse
Task 9: Work with GOSIC to facilitate access to important existing and available data sets for priority variables:
Approach:
Finalize description of selected data sets
Assist GOSIC in implementation
TOPC role: support
TOPC lead: Leemans (biosphere), Barry (cryosphere), Koster (hydrosphere)
Task 10: Ensure TOPC satellite data requirements properly represented
Approach:
Finalize documentation
Present to WMO, GOSSP
TOPC role: lead
TOPC lead: Cihlar
