Data Matters from Sessions 8, 9 and 11

WOAP-4 Task Group 1

Contributors: H Cattle, E Kent, J Key, T Koike, C Kummerow, M Manton, K Taylor, C von

Savigny, R Vose

Issues

Future arrangements for surface fluxes

Global datasets

Assessment of ECV and related variable datasets

Meta-data consistency

Global reference sites

Measurement of solid precipitation

Quantification of uncertainties

TOA radiation budget

Data management

Future arrangements for surface fluxes -

Background Many current activities across WCRP and GCOS

programs Eg WGSF, GEWEX (LandFlux, SeaFlux,...), CliC, US

CLIVAR, WGNE, TOPC, SOLAS

Possible overlaps Eg SeaFlux, US CLIVAR, SOLAS, WGSF

Gaps See OceanObs09

Future arrangements for surface fluxes -Actions

CLIVAR SSG is requested to develop a strategy for coordinating current activities across WCRP programs and to ensure that significant gaps are addressed

WOAP should consider focusing the proposed assessment workshop on global ocean fluxes (including physical and biogeochemical properties)

Global Datasets - Background

WCRP has addressed need for global datasets through GEWEX and SPARC activities; eg SRB, ISCCP

New GEWEX energetically consistent flux dataset is unique contribution

Error analysis provides uncertainty estimates

Most variables now have multiple global datasets

More than one dataset of a variable allows assessment through inter-comparison; eg structural errors

Global Datasets - Actions

GEWEX and SPARC are encouraged to continue production of key research datasets

WOAP will promote assessment activities involving all groups preparing global datasets of ECVs and related variables

Assessment of ECVs and Related Variables - Background

GCOS noted differences in many global datasets of ECVs; but no 'best' dataset

Established groups for inter-comparison; eg SST/SI

Still have 8 different SI analyses (CliC)

WMO SCOPE-CM involving operational agencies established

ESA CCI established with user forum

Assessment of ECVs and Related Variables - Actions

• WOAP should ensure that the research community is involved with international assessment of global datasets

• The WMO SCOPE-CM provides a model of the process for international assessment, but a process involving operational and research agencies is needed

Meta-data Consistency – Background

• CMIP5 and CEOP have provided frameworks for access to model and observational data

• WMO has developed meta-data standards for meteorological data

• It will be important to ensure that there is consistency in the treatment of meta-data for weather and climate model data

Meta-data Consistency - Actions

• PCMDI is requested to liaise with the WMO task group to optimise the treatment of meta-data for weather and climate purposes

Global Reference Sites - Background

• There are many global networks for specific purposes; eg FluxNet, GSN

• There are a number of global reference networks for multi-variable observations; eg CEOP, GRUAN, ICOS, BSRN

• There are policy and scientific reasons for reference sites to be collocated where feasible

Global Reference Sites - Actions

• TOPC is asked to lead a dialogue with CEOP, GRUAN, ICOS, … to develop a strategy to optimise the distribution of multi-variable reference sites (super-sites)

Measurement of Solid Precipitation - Background

• A significant fraction of global precipitation falls as snow

• New satellite missions are being proposed to measure solid precipitation

• In the 1990s WMO CIMO led a project to improve measurement of snow

• Some work has commenced to review the status of snow measurement

• CliC has a continuing interest in snow measurement

Measurement of Solid Precipitation - Actions

• CliC is asked to continue its dialogue with CIMO and other relevant groups to ensure that appropriate activities are being undertaken to improve the measurement of solid precipitation

Quantification of Uncertainties - Background

• Uncertainties are now recognised by the the general community as an inherent aspect of model and observed datasets

• Much emphasis has been made on reducing the uncertainties

• A more appropriate emphasis is on the quantification of uncertainties

• This is especially true for datasets, where structural errors are not always recognised

Quantification of Uncertainties - Actions

• WOAP encourages all groups to ensure that all model and observed datasets have associated uncertainties quantified

TOA Radiation Budget - Background

• Global climate is determined by the TOA radiation budget

• There remains an uncertainty of 2 W/m2 in the incoming radiation, which is not scientifically acceptable

TOA Radiation Budget - Actions

• GEWEX is requested to investigate the feasibility of improving the accuracy of the TOA radiation budget

• If appropriate, JSC should encourage the relevant agencies to take the required actions

WCRP Data Management - Background

• WOAP task group on data management has reported on progress in developing a consistent approach to data management across WCRP programs

• CEOP and CMIP have provided frameworks for access to global model and observed datasets

• Where appropriate, legacy datasets in WCRP need to be discoverable and recognised

WCRP Data Management - Actions

• WCRP project offices should ensure that appropriate global data sets are registered in WIGOS and in the WCRP catalogue, in addition to meeting the basic needs for data access

• WOAP accepts the offer by CLIVAR IPO to update the web-based catalogue of WCRP datasets

• The WOAP task group develop guidelines for data management practices across WCRP, over the next 6 months