|
|
|
|
GCOS Surface Network (GSN)
Performance Monitoring |
IntroductionThe Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) was established in 1992 to ensure that the observations and information needed to address climate-related issues are taken and made available to all potential users. It is co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Council for Science (ICSU). GCOS does not directly make observations nor generate data products. Rather, its role is to stimulate, encourage, coordinate or otherwise facilitate making necessary observations by national or international organizations in support of their own requirements and other shared goals. GCOS provides an operational framework for integrating, and enhancing as needed, the observational systems of participating countries and organizations into a comprehensive system focused on requirements for climate studies. To do this, GCOS builds upon existing and developing observing systems such as the Global Ocean Observing System, the Global Terrestrial Observing System, and the Global Observing System and Global Atmospheric Watch of the World Meteorological Organization. The GCOS Surface Network, or GSN, is one of the GCOS atmospheric networks. The principal aims of the GSN include ensuring a relatively homogeneous distribution of upper air stations that meet specific record length and observation continuity requirements as outlined by GCOS, and to make available current and historical upper air data for climate research. To meet these aims, GCOS Monitoring, Analysis, Archive and Lead Centres have been established for the GSN. The WMO and GCOS act on information provided by the GSN Monitoring, Analysis and Lead Centres to feedback to contributing members to enhance network performance and encourage the provision of station data from the GSN. Performance IndicatorsData CompletenessCompleteness is computed as the percentage of reported observations for both daily and monthly data for the six possible elements: mean monthly temperature, mean monthly maximum temperature, mean monthly minimum temperature, mean monthly station pressure, mean monthly station pressure corrected to sea level, and total monthly precipitation.
Data Quality
Report Descriptions
Station Listing
Station Inventory
Station Graphs
|
|
For information pertaining to this page or any other Health of the Networks related questions: NCDC.Network.Performance@noaa.gov
Created by Helen.Frederick@noaa.gov Downloaded Friday, 02-Aug-2013 05:56:12 EDT Last Updated Wednesday, 20-May-2009 14:08:01 EDT by Helen.Frederick@noaa.gov Please see the NCDC Contact Page if you have questions or comments. |