Development of the GCOS Networks and Data

• Surface, upper air, marine, meteorology and atmospheric chemistry composition - Atmospheric Observations Panel for Climate (AOPC)
• Ocean climate - Ocean Observing Panel for Climate (OOPC)
• Terrestrial climate - Terrestrial Observation Panel for Climate (TOPC)

Surface Meteorological Observations

The GCOS Surface Network (GSN) is a global network of  approximately 1000 stations collecting surface meteorological observations.

For a more complete discussion of the requirements for GSN and GUAN data including accuracy and homogeneity, historical records, and national commitments to observations see the GCOS publication Guide to the GCOS Surface and  Upper-Air Networks: GSN and GUAN (Version 1.1) GCOS - 73.

• GSN Program overview page
• GSN Data Access
• GSN Data at NCDC
• Purpose of the GSN
• Development of the Requirements
• Specification of Observing Requirements
• Maps of GSN Stations / List of GSN Stations
• Data Flow Diagram

Upper Air Observations

The GCOS Upper Air Network (GUAN) is a global network of approximately 140 upper-air stations collecting profiles of temperature, winds, humidity, etc. using radiosondes.

• Purpose of the GUAN
• Development of the Requirements
• Specification of Observing Requirements
• Map of GUAN Stations / List of GUAN Stations
• Data Flow Diagram

Upper Air Data and Analysis Centers: | Hadley Centre | National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) |

Atmospheric Chemical Observations

The GCOS requirements for atmospheric chemistry observations are implemented within the Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) network of monitoring stations. There are about 20 global stations  measuring atmospheric chemistry, surface meteorological data, and with an upper air station nearby.

• Purpose of Measurements
• Development of the Requirements
• Specification of Fields and Variables
• GAW Station Information System (GAWSIS)
• Operational Observing System

Ocean Climate Observations

The GCOS requirements for ocean climate observations have been developed jointly with those of GOOS by the Ocean Observing Panel for Climate (OOPC). For more information see the GOOS Integrated Observing Systems.

• Development of the Requirements
• Specification of Fields and Variables
• Space Based Observations (Oceans)
• Complementary Observations

Terrestrial Climate Observations

The GCOS requirements for land surface climate observations have been developed jointly with those of the GTOS by the Terrestrial Observation Panel for Climate (TOPC).

• GCOS/GTOS Observations for Climate

Space Based Climate Observations (Atmosphere)

The GCOS requirements for space based climate observations are of three types. Those having to do with the ocean surface have been specified by the OOPC, a joint GCOS/GOOS panel. Those that have to do with the earth's surface have been specified by the TOPC, a joint GCOS/GTOS panel. The requirements described here are related to the atmosphere and soundings of it.

• Requirements for Satellite Observations