The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)

The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) was established in 1992 and focuses on satellite and in situ observations for climate in the atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial domain. Ocean Observing Systems for climate are planned jointly with the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). Terrestrial climate observing systems are planned jointly with the Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS).

The atmospheric elements of GCOS have been planned jointly with the responsible WMO Commissions and are implemented within the program of the World Weather Watch (WWW).

GCOS Networks

** GCOS Essential Climate Variable(ECV) ** (under development)

• Global Surface Stations and GCOS Surface Network (GSN)
  • Data Access
  • Inventories and Performance Indicators
  • GSN Station List
  • Change Log: GSN Station List
  • Map of the GSN Stations
  • GSN Overlap Data Archive
  • GSN and GUAN Renovation Project (GSN Station Reports and Pictures)
  • GSN and GUAN Regional Technical Support Projects Reports
  • Quality Control of GSN Data
  • Program Overview

• GCOS Upper Air Network (GUAN)
  • Data Access
  • Inventories and Performance Indicators
  • Regional Quarterly Reports
  • Program Overview
  • GSN and GUAN Renovation Project
  • GSN and GUAN Regional Technical Support Projects Reports

• Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW)
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview

• Pacific Islands GCOS (PI-GCOS.org)

• Pacific Islands Regional Meteorological web pages

• US Climate Reference Network

• US GCOS

 Latest Publications

• Systematic Observation Requirements for Satellite-Based Products for Climate (9/06)(GCOS-107)
• Satellite Observation of the Climate System - The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Response to the Implementation Plan (IP) (9/06) CEOS Response to the GCOS Implementation Plan
• Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (10/04) (GCOS-92)
• Analysis of Data Exchange Problems in Global Atmospheric and Hydrological Networks (2/05) (GCOS-96)
• The Second Report on the Adequacy of the Global Observing Systems for Climate In Support of the UNFCCC (4/03)(GCOS-82)

More on the GCOS Networks

• WMO/GCOS Home Page
• WMO Publication No.9, Volume A, Observing Stations and WMO Catalogue of Radiosondes
• Map Products
• GCOS Publications
• Development of the GCOS Networks
• Climate Monitoring Principles
• Scientific Panels
• Publications
• Information on the Development of the GCOS, GOOS and GTOS programs
• Model For GCOS, GOOS, and GTOS End-to-End Data Management Systems
• US GCOS web site
• PI-GCOS web site

Joint Observing Systems

• Ocean Climate Observing Systems
  (see the GOOS for the observing system elements that are joint with GOOS).

• GCOS/GOOS Joint Program Matrix Terrestrial Climate Observing Systems
  (see the GTOS for the observing system elements that are joint with GTOS).
  • GCOS/GTOS Joint Program Matrix

Related Links

WMO and Arizona State University: