The Role of Science and Technology in GEOSS - Group on Earth ...

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Role</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Science</strong><strong>and</strong> <strong>Technology</strong><strong>in</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>Prepared by the GEO <strong>Science</strong>& <strong>Technology</strong> Committee

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Role</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Science</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>(prepared by the GEO <strong>Science</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> Committee )

IntroductionThis document describes the role <strong>of</strong> science<strong>and</strong> technology <strong>in</strong> advanc<strong>in</strong>g the Global EarthObservation System <strong>of</strong> Systems (<strong>GEOSS</strong>) throughthe <strong>Group</strong> on Earth Observations’ (GEO) 2007-2009Work Plan. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Science</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> Committeeis work<strong>in</strong>g to strengthen this role by encourag<strong>in</strong>gthe wider scientific <strong>and</strong> technology communityto participate as contributors to <strong>and</strong> benefactors<strong>of</strong> a susta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>GEOSS</strong>. Because scientific <strong>and</strong>technological knowledge <strong>and</strong> research are so vitalto our underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earthsystem, this document seeks to sensitise potentialpartners <strong>and</strong> relevant fund<strong>in</strong>g agencies to theimportant relationships between <strong>GEOSS</strong> <strong>and</strong> science<strong>and</strong> technology <strong>and</strong> the many societal benefits that<strong>GEOSS</strong> can provide (see Figure 1).<strong>The</strong> document conta<strong>in</strong>s five ma<strong>in</strong> sections. Section 1briefly describes the vision <strong>of</strong> GEO for <strong>GEOSS</strong><strong>and</strong> illustrates the role <strong>of</strong> science <strong>and</strong> technology<strong>in</strong> support<strong>in</strong>g this vision. Section 2 expla<strong>in</strong>s theimportance <strong>of</strong> science <strong>and</strong> technology <strong>in</strong> GEO WorkPlan activities <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduces the GEO <strong>Science</strong> &<strong>Technology</strong> Committee. Section 3 outl<strong>in</strong>es theimportance <strong>of</strong> science <strong>and</strong> technology <strong>in</strong> the<strong>GEOSS</strong> 10-year Implementation Plan (<strong>and</strong> ReferenceDocument), <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> relevant <strong>in</strong>ternational researchprogrammes <strong>and</strong> scientific partnerships. Section4 addresses both the contribution <strong>of</strong> science <strong>and</strong>technology to improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>GEOSS</strong> implementation<strong>and</strong> the contribution <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> to enhanc<strong>in</strong>g global<strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth system science <strong>and</strong> technology.Section 5 concludes the presentation by reiterat<strong>in</strong>ghow critically important it is that the science <strong>and</strong>technology community actively contributes to theimplementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>.5Figure 1: Illustration <strong>of</strong> the concept <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> <strong>and</strong> its n<strong>in</strong>e<strong>in</strong>terconnected societal benefit areas (SBAs). Each SBA requiresmany observation data <strong>and</strong> decision-support tools. Each <strong>of</strong>these data sets <strong>and</strong> tools can serve many SBAs.

1 Vision6<strong>The</strong> <strong>Group</strong> on Earth Observations (GEO) vision for the<strong>GEOSS</strong> is to “realize a future where<strong>in</strong> decisions <strong>and</strong>actions for the benefit <strong>of</strong> humank<strong>in</strong>d are <strong>in</strong>formedvia coord<strong>in</strong>ated, comprehensive <strong>and</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>ed Earthobservations <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation” (<strong>GEOSS</strong> 10-YearImplementation Plan). GEO will achieve <strong>GEOSS</strong> <strong>in</strong>order to improve the monitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the state <strong>of</strong>the Earth, <strong>in</strong>crease the underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Earth’schang<strong>in</strong>g environment <strong>and</strong> global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earthsystem processes, <strong>and</strong> enhance the prediction <strong>of</strong>the Earth system’s behavior – <strong>in</strong> a fast chang<strong>in</strong>genvironment.Achiev<strong>in</strong>g <strong>GEOSS</strong> depends on advances <strong>in</strong> science,technology, <strong>and</strong> research <strong>and</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> will itselfbe a driver for such advances. As an example <strong>of</strong>advances, Figure 2 (Upper Panel) shows the <strong>in</strong>crease<strong>in</strong> forecast skill (measure <strong>of</strong> the performance <strong>of</strong> aforecast relative to observed conditions) <strong>of</strong> differentnumerical weather prediction centers over the pasttwo decades. Figure 2 (Upper Panel) illustratesthe worldwide beneficial result <strong>of</strong> many years <strong>of</strong><strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>in</strong>vestments that produced <strong>in</strong>creases<strong>in</strong> (i) quantity, quality, <strong>and</strong> communication <strong>of</strong>observations; (ii) research <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>atmospheric circulation <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g its <strong>in</strong>teractionswith the ocean <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>; (iii) data assimilationmethodologies; <strong>and</strong> (iv) computer capability <strong>and</strong>capacity. Convergence <strong>of</strong> Northern Hemisphere <strong>and</strong>Southern Hemisphere (SH) skills clearly demonstratethe impressive role <strong>of</strong> satellite observations toimprove weather forecast skill <strong>in</strong> the SH because theSH has only sparse <strong>in</strong>-situ measurements.5-Days Forecast Skill <strong>of</strong> 500-hPa Height, Percent90 ECMWF8070605090 NOAA8070605090 JMA807060501985 1990 1995 2000 2005SSH ACC, Mercator-Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean10090807060501985 1990 1995 2000 2005Figure 2: Time evolution <strong>of</strong> improvement <strong>of</strong> forecast skill(anomaly correlation score) for:YearsUpper Panel: Operational numerical weather prediction(NWP) 5-day forecasts <strong>of</strong> 500-hPa geopotential heights overthe Northern Hemisphere (NH) <strong>and</strong> Southern Hemisphere(SH) computed at the European Centre for Medium-rangeWeather Forecasts (ECMWF – 12-month runn<strong>in</strong>g average values<strong>of</strong> monthly-mean skill over 90°S-20°S, 20°N-90°N); U.S.National Oceanic <strong>and</strong> Atmospheric Adm<strong>in</strong>istration (NOAA– annual-mean skill over 80°S-20°S, 20°N-80°N), <strong>and</strong> JapanMeteorological Agency (JMA – monthly mean skill over90°S-20°S, 20°N-90°N). <strong>The</strong> NWP centers used differentmodel physics <strong>and</strong> data assimilation schemes (courtesy <strong>of</strong> D.Halpern (NASA), K. Koizuma (JMA), S. Lord (NOAA), <strong>and</strong> A.Simmons (ECMWF)).Lower Panel: 7-day forecasts <strong>of</strong> sea level anomaly over thetropical <strong>and</strong> North Atlantic Ocean computed at Mercator-Ocean (12-month runn<strong>in</strong>g mean values <strong>of</strong> weekly-mean skillover 20°S-70°N) (courtesy <strong>of</strong> N. Ferry (Mercator Ocean)).

2 An Integrated <strong>Science</strong><strong>and</strong> <strong>Technology</strong>Approach to <strong>GEOSS</strong><strong>The</strong> <strong>in</strong>terdependence <strong>of</strong> the n<strong>in</strong>e <strong>GEOSS</strong> societalbenefit areas, the multiple uses <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividualenvironmental observations, <strong>and</strong> the connectivity<strong>of</strong> global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth system processes all callfor an <strong>in</strong>tegrated science <strong>and</strong> technology approach.Figure 3 illustrates the central role <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> science<strong>and</strong> technology <strong>in</strong> simultaneously advanc<strong>in</strong>g societalbenefit areas, observations, <strong>and</strong> global <strong>in</strong>tegratedEarth system knowledge – a primary <strong>in</strong>terdiscipl<strong>in</strong>arygoal <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>.<strong>The</strong> <strong>Role</strong> <strong>of</strong> the GEO<strong>Science</strong> & <strong>Technology</strong>Committee<strong>The</strong> <strong>Science</strong> & <strong>Technology</strong> Committee monitors thetasks <strong>of</strong> the <strong>GEOSS</strong> implementation plan under itsresponsibility (see Annex), <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>teracts with theother GEO Committees to identify the scientific <strong>and</strong>technological requirements <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> that need the<strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>of</strong> the broader scientific community.It recognises the <strong>in</strong>terdependence <strong>of</strong> the n<strong>in</strong>e GEOSocietal Benefit Areas where the multiple uses<strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual environmental observations <strong>and</strong> theconnectivity <strong>of</strong> global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth systemprocesses call for an <strong>in</strong>tegrated science <strong>and</strong> technologyapproach. <strong>The</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> science <strong>and</strong> technology<strong>in</strong> GEO Work Plan activities is reflected <strong>in</strong> the overallstructure <strong>of</strong> GEO as captured <strong>in</strong> Figure 4.7GEO PlenaryExecutiveCommitteeFigure 3: Upper circle: 60-day runn<strong>in</strong>g-average fluctuations<strong>of</strong> global sea level recorded with the Topography Experiment(TOPEX)/Poseidon <strong>and</strong> Jason satellites dur<strong>in</strong>g Aug 1992–Sept2005 <strong>and</strong> Dec 2001 – Jan 2007, resp. <strong>The</strong> annual-mean globalsea level rise over Jan 1993-Sept 2006 is 3.2 ± 0.4 mm peryear. Left circle: Connected people represent<strong>in</strong>g the 9 <strong>GEOSS</strong>societal benefit areas. Right circle: Improved knowledge <strong>of</strong> theglobal <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth system - essential for enhanced environmentalprediction (courtesy <strong>of</strong> D.Halpern (NASA)).Guidance <strong>and</strong>ParticipationSt<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>gComm itteesCapacity Build<strong>in</strong>gArchitecture & Data<strong>Science</strong> & <strong>Technology</strong>LeadershipOversightCoord<strong>in</strong>ation &FacilitationAdvice &RecommendationsImplementationGuidanceGEOSec retariatDirectorScientific ExpertsManagement <strong>and</strong>Coord<strong>in</strong>ation TeamUser InterfaceDialogueExpertCommunitiesInputsCoord<strong>in</strong>ationFigure 4: Illustration <strong>of</strong> the structure <strong>of</strong> GEO

3 <strong>Science</strong> & <strong>Technology</strong>with<strong>in</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>:<strong>The</strong> Build<strong>in</strong>g Blocks3.1. <strong>Science</strong> & <strong>Technology</strong> <strong>in</strong> GEO Documents8It has been recognised s<strong>in</strong>ce the onset <strong>of</strong> theGEO <strong>in</strong>itiative that the science <strong>and</strong> technologycommunity is a key target audience among thevarious sponsors <strong>and</strong> beneficiaries <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>.<strong>The</strong> Ten-year Implementation Plan ReferenceDocument, for <strong>in</strong>stance, states that scientific <strong>and</strong>technical communities must be addressed; thisaudience <strong>in</strong>cludes research <strong>and</strong> development<strong>in</strong>stitutions, universities, government laboratories,non-governmental bodies, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry. <strong>The</strong><strong>in</strong>terest <strong>of</strong> these communities must be drawn tothe potential support global Earth observationcan provide to their research <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>vestigations,also <strong>in</strong> order to complement <strong>and</strong> improve theirscientific <strong>and</strong> technical achievements, exploit<strong>in</strong>g themultidiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>, <strong>and</strong> facilitat<strong>in</strong>gthe transfer <strong>of</strong> technology <strong>and</strong> knowledge.<strong>The</strong> GEO documents Ten-year ImplementationPlan <strong>and</strong> Ten-year Implementation Plan ReferenceDocument have <strong>in</strong>itiated this work <strong>of</strong> address<strong>in</strong>gthe science <strong>and</strong> technology community. Howeverthe explicit or implicit references to science <strong>and</strong>technology – albeit numerous – are scatteredthroughout the texts because the documents havepurposes other than the outreach to the science <strong>and</strong>technology community. Thus, it makes it difficult forthe community to identify the scientific <strong>and</strong> technicaltasks that are fundamental for the implementation<strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> or to identify how <strong>GEOSS</strong> can contributeto its activities. This section therefore synthesisesthe references to science <strong>and</strong> technology <strong>in</strong> the GEOdocuments identify<strong>in</strong>g the science <strong>and</strong> technologybuild<strong>in</strong>g blocks with<strong>in</strong> the GEO <strong>in</strong>itiative.3.1.1. Ten-Year Implementation Plan<strong>The</strong> Ten-Year Implementation Plan clearly acknowledgesthe role <strong>of</strong> the science <strong>and</strong> technologycommunity <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>itiative. “<strong>The</strong> benefits <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>will be realized globally by a broad range <strong>of</strong> usercommunities, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g … scientific researchers<strong>and</strong> eng<strong>in</strong>eers”. 1 <strong>The</strong> plan adds: “<strong>The</strong> functions <strong>of</strong>GEO <strong>in</strong>clude:••Draw<strong>in</strong>g on the expertise <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternational scientific<strong>and</strong> technological communities••Consult<strong>in</strong>g, coord<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>and</strong> liais<strong>in</strong>g with relevantUN Specialized Agencies <strong>and</strong> Programmes,<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational scientific organizations”. 2<strong>The</strong> Ten-Year Implementation Plan also refers tothe role <strong>of</strong> the <strong>in</strong>itiative <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>tegrat<strong>in</strong>g science<strong>and</strong> technology developments. “To enableimplementation <strong>of</strong> the <strong>GEOSS</strong> architecture, <strong>GEOSS</strong>will draw on exist<strong>in</strong>g Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI)components as <strong>in</strong>stitutional <strong>and</strong> technical precedents<strong>in</strong> areas such as geodetic reference frames, commongeographic data, <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ard protocols.” 3 <strong>The</strong> Planadds: “In the implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>, <strong>in</strong>creasedshar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> methods for modell<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> analysisneeded to transform data <strong>in</strong>to useful products willbe advocated”. 41 Section 4.2 User Involvement2 Section 6.1 Functions3 Section 5.3 Architecture <strong>and</strong> Interoperability4 Section 5.1 Observations <strong>and</strong> Modell<strong>in</strong>g

Moreover, the Plan clearly acknowledges that scientificresearch <strong>and</strong> technological development are needed toimprove global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth observation systems:“GEO will advocate research <strong>and</strong> development <strong>in</strong> keyareas to facilitate, on an ongo<strong>in</strong>g basis, improvementsto Earth-observation systems <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g:••Improved <strong>and</strong> new <strong>in</strong>strumentation <strong>and</strong> systemdesign for <strong>in</strong> situ, airborne, <strong>and</strong> space-based observationson a long-term basis.••Life-cycle data management, data <strong>in</strong>tegration<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation fusion, data m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, network enhancement,<strong>and</strong> design optimization studies.••Development <strong>of</strong> models, data-assimilation modules,<strong>and</strong> other algorithms that enable to produceglobal <strong>and</strong> regional products more effectively.<strong>The</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> implementation will promote researchefforts that are necessary for the development <strong>of</strong>tools required <strong>in</strong> all societal benefit areas. It will alsoencourage <strong>and</strong> facilitate the transition from researchto operations <strong>of</strong> appropriate systems <strong>and</strong> techniques.This <strong>in</strong>cludes facilitat<strong>in</strong>g partnerships betweenoperational groups <strong>and</strong> research groups.” 5It also recognises the role <strong>of</strong> GEO <strong>in</strong> capacitybuild<strong>in</strong>g, not<strong>in</strong>g among other th<strong>in</strong>gs that: “With<strong>in</strong>2 years, GEO will … facilitate, together with exist<strong>in</strong>gefforts, the ma<strong>in</strong>tenance <strong>and</strong> strengthen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>education, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, research <strong>and</strong> communication,…facilitate with develop<strong>in</strong>g countries <strong>and</strong> acrossall societal benefit areas, the establishment <strong>and</strong>ma<strong>in</strong>tenance <strong>of</strong> basel<strong>in</strong>e sites for global <strong>in</strong> situ <strong>and</strong>remote-sens<strong>in</strong>g networks, facilitate access to data<strong>and</strong> models, particularly for develop<strong>in</strong>g countries.… With<strong>in</strong> 6 years, GEO will … facilitate education<strong>and</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to provide a global base <strong>of</strong> technicalexpertise for <strong>GEOSS</strong> …” 6 .3.1.2. Ten-Year ImplementationPlan Reference Document<strong>The</strong> Ten-year Implementation Plan ReferenceDocument supports the Ten-year ImplementationPlan through substantive <strong>in</strong>formation necessaryfor the implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>. Numerousreferences to science <strong>and</strong> technology appear <strong>in</strong>the Reference Document <strong>and</strong> the present synthesiscannot be exhaustive. An attempt is made <strong>in</strong>stead toextract general pr<strong>in</strong>ciples outl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the ReferenceDocument. Specific examples are provided to5 Section 5.5 Research Facilitation6 Section 5.6 Capacity Build<strong>in</strong>gillustrate these pr<strong>in</strong>ciples, <strong>and</strong> the examples shouldnot be <strong>in</strong>terpreted as a way <strong>of</strong> prioritiz<strong>in</strong>g the variousscience <strong>and</strong> technology references.<strong>The</strong> role <strong>of</strong> science <strong>and</strong> technology with<strong>in</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong><strong>in</strong>ferred from the Ten-year Implementation PlanReference Document is synthesized follow<strong>in</strong>g fourgeneral pr<strong>in</strong>ciples which are central to the GEO<strong>in</strong>itiative (a rationale for each pr<strong>in</strong>ciple is provided atthe beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> each section):••Integration <strong>of</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g national or regional activitiesat global level.••Cross-cutt<strong>in</strong>g research activities.••Research activities necessary for emerg<strong>in</strong>g global<strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth observation systems.••Research activities necessary for Earth observationcapacity build<strong>in</strong>g.Integration <strong>of</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g national or regionalresearch activities with<strong>in</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>In the GEO context the global dimension refers toprocesses with global consequences <strong>in</strong> aggregate,or with significant global causes, or which requireobservation enhanced by global systems. Many globalobservational research activities already exist focuss<strong>in</strong>gon particular issues or discipl<strong>in</strong>es (some <strong>of</strong> whichhowever lack susta<strong>in</strong>ability <strong>in</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g). Those activitiesneed to be <strong>in</strong>tegrated <strong>and</strong> gaps need to be filled. <strong>The</strong>focus will be on the harmonization <strong>of</strong> the measur<strong>in</strong>gmethods to better comb<strong>in</strong>e observations <strong>of</strong> the samevariable recorded by different sensors, <strong>and</strong> by differentagencies each with their own data shar<strong>in</strong>g policy. <strong>The</strong>goal should be the timely <strong>in</strong>tegration <strong>of</strong> observationsfrom different observ<strong>in</strong>g systems <strong>in</strong> the global context.Hence, GEO should develop a strategy <strong>and</strong> plan toreduce limitations on data shar<strong>in</strong>g for successfulimplementation <strong>of</strong> a system <strong>of</strong> observ<strong>in</strong>g systems <strong>and</strong>to ensure the tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to account <strong>of</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g knowledgeas well as to avoid duplication <strong>of</strong> efforts.In this respect, the <strong>in</strong>tegrat<strong>in</strong>g capability <strong>of</strong> GEO –which will ensure that exist<strong>in</strong>g observation systems arecoord<strong>in</strong>ated <strong>and</strong> achieve similar st<strong>and</strong>ards everywhereon the planet – <strong>and</strong> the global dimension <strong>of</strong> thesystem <strong>of</strong> observation systems will fully address thechallenges associated with improved underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g<strong>of</strong> the global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth System. For example,<strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g an operational global carbon observ<strong>in</strong>gsystem (Figure 5), which will be a challeng<strong>in</strong>g goalfor <strong>GEOSS</strong>, research <strong>and</strong> development are neededbecause monitor<strong>in</strong>g the global carbon cycle addressesa wide range <strong>of</strong> spatial <strong>and</strong> temporal scales, from localpower plants to carbon dioxide exchanges betweenthe atmosphere, l<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> ocean.9

Carbon Monitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Climate SystemCross-cutt<strong>in</strong>g research activitiesGlobal Earth observation activities are multidiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary<strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> benefit to several societal benefit areas.Scientific communities that are well established canhelp other communities emerge <strong>and</strong> develop.In the GEO context, key objectives <strong>in</strong>clude: (i)<strong>in</strong>teroperability between observ<strong>in</strong>g systems, modell<strong>in</strong>gsystems, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation systems; (ii) datashar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> data dissem<strong>in</strong>ation (the GEONETCastsystem is an early example <strong>of</strong> what can be achieved;see Figure 6); <strong>and</strong> (iii) optimization <strong>of</strong> observations<strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation for underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> predict<strong>in</strong>genvironmental phenomena.Figure 5: From a scientific po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> view, the establishment <strong>of</strong>the <strong>GEOSS</strong> is <strong>of</strong> crucial importance to answer important questionslike the partition<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> CO2 s<strong>in</strong>ks <strong>and</strong> sources with<strong>in</strong> theglobal <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth system, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g between the mar<strong>in</strong>e<strong>and</strong> terrestrial biosphere, ocean, <strong>and</strong> the atmosphere, <strong>and</strong> anaccurate monitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> its temporal evolution (courtesy <strong>of</strong>P. LeGr<strong>and</strong>, EC).Also the susta<strong>in</strong>ability <strong>of</strong> global observations withsufficient space <strong>and</strong> time resolutions over timeperiods longer than issues <strong>and</strong> phenomena <strong>and</strong>availability <strong>of</strong> adequate geographical coverage <strong>and</strong>real-time data need to be addressed (see Figure 7).<strong>The</strong> <strong>in</strong>tegration <strong>of</strong> various sources <strong>of</strong> data, e.g.,remote sens<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>-situ data, should also formpart <strong>of</strong> this activity.10Global GEONETCast CoverageFigure 6: GEONETCast is a near real-time, global, environmental <strong>in</strong>formation delivery system by which <strong>in</strong> situ, airborne, <strong>and</strong> spacebasedobservations, products, <strong>and</strong> services from <strong>GEOSS</strong> are transmitted to users through communication satellites. Receptionequipment is generic, <strong>of</strong>f-the-shelf equipment <strong>and</strong> is relatively <strong>in</strong>expensive (from 2007 GEO M<strong>in</strong>isterial Summit Early Achievementon “GEONETCast”).

Figure 7: One <strong>of</strong> the key objectives <strong>of</strong> the GEO Asian Water Cycle Initiative is to develop timely, quality, long-term <strong>in</strong>formation onwater quantity <strong>and</strong> quality, <strong>and</strong> their variations as a basis for sound national <strong>and</strong> regional decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g. It will build on strongl<strong>in</strong>kages between science communities, space agencies, <strong>and</strong> decision makers (from 2007 GEO M<strong>in</strong>isterial Summit Early Achievementon “Asian Water Cycle Initiative”)11Research activities necessary foremerg<strong>in</strong>g Earth observation systemsA number <strong>of</strong> Earth observation activities address newtopics or promote new approaches to outst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>gissues (e.g., see Figure 8). <strong>The</strong>se activities shouldsupport the development <strong>of</strong> Earth observationsystems <strong>and</strong> related systems <strong>in</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> researchwhere observ<strong>in</strong>g, monitor<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>and</strong> modell<strong>in</strong>g systemsare lack<strong>in</strong>g or need to be improved.Research activity necessary for Earthobservation capacity build<strong>in</strong>gIncreas<strong>in</strong>g capacity build<strong>in</strong>g activities, <strong>in</strong> particular<strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g countries, <strong>in</strong> the doma<strong>in</strong> <strong>of</strong> Earthobservation have strong implications for global<strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth system science <strong>and</strong> for the science<strong>and</strong> technological development, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g education,<strong>of</strong> the countries (see Figure 9).Figure 8: MERIT (Men<strong>in</strong>gitis Environmental Risk InformationTechnologies) aims to extend current capabilities to more effectivelycomb<strong>in</strong>e environmental <strong>in</strong>formation with knowledge <strong>of</strong>epidemic men<strong>in</strong>gococcal men<strong>in</strong>gitis. This will have an immediateimpact on public health outcomes <strong>in</strong> Africa through <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gthe effectiveness <strong>of</strong> prevention <strong>and</strong> response control strategies.GEO will help scientists <strong>of</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g countries tobe <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational research programmes(see Section 3.2) as a major capacity build<strong>in</strong>geffort. GEO <strong>in</strong>tends for scientists from develop<strong>in</strong>gcountries to be <strong>in</strong>volved more <strong>in</strong> observations <strong>and</strong>science, thus contribut<strong>in</strong>g to improved monitor<strong>in</strong>g

As regards “disasters”, a natural <strong>and</strong> human-<strong>in</strong>ducedenvironmental hazards <strong>and</strong> disasters researchprogramme is be<strong>in</strong>g prepared by ICSU.While <strong>in</strong>ternational research programmes <strong>of</strong> a globalscale have been gradually put <strong>in</strong> place dur<strong>in</strong>g the lastthree decades, global scientific assessments relevantto the n<strong>in</strong>e societal benefit areas have developedmuch more slowly. Apart from notable exceptions(e.g. the Intergovernmental Panel on ClimateChange (IPCC) <strong>and</strong> the Scientific Assessment <strong>of</strong>Ozone Depletion), <strong>in</strong>ternational assessment bodies<strong>of</strong> comparable scope <strong>and</strong> regular output for otherareas have not yet been <strong>in</strong>stitutionalized. However,the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment <strong>and</strong> the stillongo<strong>in</strong>g International Assessment <strong>of</strong> Agricultural<strong>Science</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> for Development are highlyimportant milestones <strong>in</strong> their fields for improv<strong>in</strong>gthe science for policy scheme. Other examples <strong>of</strong>assessments with mutually beneficial relationshipsto <strong>GEOSS</strong> are the World Water AssessmentProgramme (UN system) <strong>and</strong> the Global EnergyAssessment, recently launched by the InternationalInstitute on Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA).For “biodiversity”, a consultation process is underwayto set up an International Mechanism <strong>of</strong> ScientificExpertise on Biodiversity (IMoSEB). In the area <strong>of</strong>“renewable energy”, ICSU, the International Council<strong>of</strong> Academies <strong>of</strong> Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> Technological<strong>Science</strong>s <strong>and</strong> the Renewable Energy Policy Network(REN21) jo<strong>in</strong>tly sponsor the International ScientificAdvisory Panel on Renewable Energies.<strong>The</strong> preparation <strong>of</strong> global state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art reports foran <strong>in</strong>tegrated global observ<strong>in</strong>g strategy was one <strong>of</strong> thema<strong>in</strong> objectives <strong>in</strong> establish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 1998 the IntegratedGlobal Observ<strong>in</strong>g Strategy Partnership (IGOS-P).<strong>The</strong> IGOS-P <strong>in</strong>cludes GOS <strong>and</strong> GAW, GCOS, GGOS,GOOS, <strong>and</strong> GTOS, the <strong>in</strong>ternational organizationswhich sponsor these observ<strong>in</strong>g systems, theCommittee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS),the International <strong>Group</strong> <strong>of</strong> Fund<strong>in</strong>g Agencies forGlobal Change Research (IGFA), <strong>and</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the<strong>in</strong>ternational global change research programmes.<strong>The</strong> preparation <strong>of</strong> IGOS-P <strong>The</strong>me Reportshas brought together the producers <strong>of</strong> globalobservations <strong>and</strong> the users that require them <strong>in</strong> orderto identify products needed, gaps <strong>in</strong> observations,<strong>and</strong> mechanisms necessary to respond to needs <strong>in</strong>the policy <strong>and</strong> science communities.In addition to IGOS-P reports, other strategydocuments are available deal<strong>in</strong>g with observations<strong>in</strong> specific doma<strong>in</strong>s. For example, <strong>in</strong> the climatedoma<strong>in</strong>, these are notably the GCOS ImplementationPlan <strong>and</strong> strategy documents from WCRP, IGBP <strong>and</strong>ESSP projects. Comprehensive ocean observ<strong>in</strong>gplans for each ocean bas<strong>in</strong> have been developedthrough the WMO/IOC Ocean Observations Panelfor Climate (OOPC), the International Ocean CarbonCoord<strong>in</strong>ation Project (IOCCP), <strong>and</strong> other <strong>in</strong>ternationalpanels sponsored by the WCRP Climate Variability<strong>and</strong> Predictability Program (CLIVAR).<strong>The</strong> IGOS-P has started transition<strong>in</strong>g its themes <strong>in</strong>toGEO. <strong>The</strong> IGOS-P process will be “embedded” <strong>in</strong>toGEO, thus provid<strong>in</strong>g added value <strong>in</strong> terms <strong>of</strong>:••enhanced focus on end-user aspects <strong>and</strong> implementationplans.••oversight <strong>of</strong> relevant IGOS-P processes by the GEO<strong>Science</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> Committee <strong>and</strong> otherGEO Committees.A concrete example <strong>of</strong> a proactive approach toengage the science community <strong>in</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> through<strong>in</strong>ternational research programmes is that <strong>in</strong>troducedby the European Commission under the environmenttheme <strong>of</strong> the European Commission 7 th FrameworkProgramme (EC FP7).<strong>The</strong> EC FP7 decision makes an explicit referenceto the <strong>GEOSS</strong> <strong>in</strong>itiative: “contribute to thedevelopment <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>tegration <strong>of</strong> observationsystems for environmental <strong>and</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>ability issues<strong>in</strong> the framework <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> (to which the European<strong>in</strong>itiative Global Monitor<strong>in</strong>g for Environment<strong>and</strong> Security is complementary); <strong>in</strong>teroperabilitybetween systems <strong>and</strong> optimisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>formationfor underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g, modell<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> predict<strong>in</strong>genvironmental phenomena, for assess<strong>in</strong>g, explor<strong>in</strong>g<strong>and</strong> manag<strong>in</strong>g natural resources.”<strong>The</strong> research activities relevant to GEO will beimplemented through annual calls for proposals from2007 until 2013, which is the duration <strong>of</strong> EC FP7.As <strong>in</strong>dicated <strong>in</strong> the call for proposals, the researchtopics will be dealt with through the projects <strong>in</strong>coord<strong>in</strong>ation with the relevant GEO tasks. Thusthere should be a direct contribution <strong>of</strong> the projectsto GEO <strong>and</strong> the projects should benefit from theknowledge <strong>and</strong> participants with<strong>in</strong> the GEO tasks.<strong>The</strong> projects are open to all research organisations <strong>in</strong>the 27 European Union countries, plus the countriesassociated to the Framework Program <strong>of</strong> CommunityResearch. Third countries are also <strong>in</strong>vited toparticipate to those projects, <strong>in</strong> particular because <strong>of</strong>the <strong>in</strong>ternational dimension <strong>of</strong> the research activitiesto be carried out <strong>in</strong> the GEO context.13

4 <strong>GEOSS</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Science</strong>4.1. What can <strong>Science</strong> do for <strong>GEOSS</strong>?14Every application <strong>of</strong> Earthobservation builds on scientificresults that require processunderst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>gIn order to achieve the goals <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>, formulatedthrough societal benefit areas, the contribution<strong>of</strong> global Earth observations can only materializethrough an underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the physical, chemical,biological, <strong>and</strong> ecosystem processes go<strong>in</strong>g on above,on <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>side the Earth’s surface. This is a task forthe scientific community <strong>and</strong> needs comprehensiveEarth observation technologies. Every application <strong>of</strong>Earth observation that has been developed builds onsuch a scientific underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g. This underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>gis what l<strong>in</strong>ks the observations, both from space <strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>-situ, to models <strong>of</strong> how the global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earthsystem works. This l<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> observations <strong>and</strong> modelsto provide quantitative estimates <strong>and</strong> predictions isa major task for the scientific community. It is alsoimportant to realize that this is usually a cont<strong>in</strong>uousprocess, where further scientific underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> turn will further improve the applications. It istherefore essential that the scientific community becont<strong>in</strong>uously <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the improvement <strong>of</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>gapplications (see Figure 10).Figure 10: Conceptual diagram <strong>of</strong> the Arctic Observ<strong>in</strong>g Network <strong>and</strong> the flows <strong>and</strong> exchanges <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation that represent itscontribution to value-added services <strong>and</strong> societal benefits <strong>of</strong> regional <strong>and</strong> global importance, <strong>and</strong> comprehensive observation <strong>of</strong> theEarth system (from 2007 GEO M<strong>in</strong>isterial Summit Early Achievement on “Arctic Observ<strong>in</strong>g Network”).

Connect<strong>in</strong>g discipl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>and</strong>address<strong>in</strong>g complex issues<strong>The</strong> societal benefit areas typically require a crosscutt<strong>in</strong>gscientific approach, build<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>in</strong>formationfrom a number <strong>of</strong> discipl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>and</strong> data fromdifferent sources (see Figure 11). <strong>The</strong> scientificcommunity needs to address these multidiscipl<strong>in</strong>aryquestions, where scientists from different fieldsmust collaborate. It necessitates the <strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>of</strong>scientists from relevant discipl<strong>in</strong>es <strong>of</strong> both natural<strong>and</strong> socioeconomic sciences.highly vary<strong>in</strong>g time <strong>and</strong> spatial scales. Traditionallythese models have been address<strong>in</strong>g only a part<strong>of</strong> the global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth system, where thesurround<strong>in</strong>g environment has been def<strong>in</strong>ed throughsome suitable boundary conditions.15Figure 11: <strong>The</strong> German Indonesian tsunami early-warn<strong>in</strong>gsystem is an <strong>in</strong>tegral part <strong>of</strong> a multi-hazard Early Warn<strong>in</strong>g Systemfor the registration <strong>of</strong> other natural catastrophes <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gearthquakes <strong>and</strong> volcanic eruptions. <strong>The</strong> system <strong>in</strong>tegrates terrestrialseismologic <strong>and</strong> geodetic monitor<strong>in</strong>g arrays with mar<strong>in</strong>e<strong>and</strong> satellite-based observation platforms (from 2007 GEOM<strong>in</strong>isterial Summit Early Achievement on “German IndonesianTsunami Early-Warn<strong>in</strong>g System”).Figure 12: <strong>The</strong> global cloud distribution <strong>in</strong> a present-day320-km resolution climate simulation experiment (upper panel).Lower panel, same as upper panel, but for a 20-km resolutionsimulation with the same model (courtesy <strong>of</strong> T. Enomoto,JAMSTEC).Need to develop models <strong>in</strong>order to provide forecast<strong>in</strong>gcapabilities<strong>The</strong> scientific underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g needs to be formulatedto a large degree through models. <strong>The</strong>se models aresimplified simulations (approximations) to the actualprocesses <strong>and</strong> form the basis for test<strong>in</strong>g the actualscientific underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> also for develop<strong>in</strong>gforecast<strong>in</strong>g capabilities. An essential part <strong>of</strong> thesemodels is how they make use <strong>of</strong> the observationaldata available. <strong>The</strong> scientific community has beendevelop<strong>in</strong>g more <strong>and</strong> more sophisticated (highresolution)models (see Figure 12) <strong>and</strong> dataassimilation techniques. This needs to be done forlarge sets <strong>of</strong> data from different sources <strong>and</strong> withDevelop new observation <strong>and</strong>measurement techniques<strong>The</strong> scientific community has been creative <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>vent<strong>in</strong>gnew observation <strong>and</strong> measurement techniques (e.g.,see Figure 13). This requires a close cooperationbetween the scientific agenda <strong>and</strong> technologydevelopment. An <strong>in</strong>tegrated approach to thedevelopment <strong>of</strong> new Earth observations that <strong>in</strong>cludessurface-based networks, systematic aircraft as wellas satellites is needed. With<strong>in</strong> Earth observation fromspace, techniques like synthetic aperture radar (SAR)<strong>in</strong>terferometry (InSAR), altimetry <strong>and</strong> gravimetryare examples <strong>of</strong> techniques that have been able t<strong>of</strong>acilitate applications <strong>of</strong> global Earth observationpreviously not considered possible.

community cont<strong>in</strong>ues this synergistic development.This must go h<strong>and</strong>-<strong>in</strong>-h<strong>and</strong> with new model <strong>and</strong>algorithm developments <strong>in</strong> order to utilize the newdata. <strong>The</strong> key challenge is that monitor<strong>in</strong>g systemswhich have been developed as part <strong>of</strong> scientificresearch <strong>and</strong> turned out to be essential for themonitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth system needto be transformed <strong>in</strong>to an operational <strong>and</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>edmode. New methodologies must be assessed firstwhether they provide crucial new data <strong>and</strong> thus justifytheir <strong>in</strong>clusion <strong>in</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>. If so, the fund<strong>in</strong>g basis forthese monitor<strong>in</strong>g activities must be changed so thatthey do not dependent on research funds.16Figure 13: This graphic depicts depth <strong>and</strong> temperature datasampled along the North American west coast by a bluef<strong>in</strong>tuna. This is just one example <strong>of</strong> autonomous measurements<strong>of</strong> ocean properties that can be collected by sensors placed onoceanic animals (courtesy <strong>of</strong> B. Block, Census <strong>of</strong> Mar<strong>in</strong>e Life).Improvement <strong>in</strong> surface-based observations <strong>of</strong>aerosols <strong>and</strong> their composition is critical for manag<strong>in</strong>gair quality effectively. For <strong>in</strong>stance, next generationaerosol mass spectrometers will be available for rout<strong>in</strong>emonitor<strong>in</strong>g. Vertical pr<strong>of</strong>iles <strong>of</strong> atmospheric chemistry<strong>and</strong> composition by satellite, aircraft <strong>and</strong> surfacebasedozone <strong>and</strong> aerosol sensors, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g lidar, areessential. It is crucial that the science <strong>and</strong> technologyData h<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g, process<strong>in</strong>g<strong>and</strong> visualizationIn addition to the scientific developments neededfor provid<strong>in</strong>g the required underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> theprocesses <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>teractions <strong>of</strong> the global <strong>in</strong>tegratedEarth system, there is also a need for a consistentscience <strong>and</strong> technology agenda on issues like datah<strong>and</strong>l<strong>in</strong>g, process<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> algorithm techniques,semantic <strong>in</strong>teroperability <strong>and</strong> data visualization.Progress <strong>in</strong> these fields is required <strong>in</strong> order tomake data available <strong>in</strong> an efficient manner, to useit <strong>in</strong> models <strong>and</strong> to <strong>in</strong>terpret the model results (seeFigure 14). Also additional data sources are needed<strong>in</strong> order to make progress <strong>in</strong> modell<strong>in</strong>g.<strong>The</strong> Regional Visualization & Monitor<strong>in</strong>g System SERVIRFigure 14: <strong>The</strong> SERVIR system is web-based <strong>and</strong> provides a geospatial data portal, onl<strong>in</strong>e mapp<strong>in</strong>g, thematic decision supporttools for the <strong>GEOSS</strong> societal benefit areas, <strong>and</strong> three-dimensional, <strong>in</strong>teractive visualization <strong>of</strong> the Earth <strong>and</strong> geospatial data (from2007 GEO M<strong>in</strong>isterial Summit Early Achievement on “SERVIR: An Earth Observation, Monitor<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>and</strong> Visualization System”).

4.2. What can <strong>GEOSS</strong> do for <strong>Science</strong>?L<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g observations acrosssocietal benefit areasA major role <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong> is to promote scientificconnections between the observation systemsthat constitute the system <strong>of</strong> systems. Thus <strong>GEOSS</strong>will enhance the value <strong>of</strong> the observations froman <strong>in</strong>dividual component system by extend<strong>in</strong>gthe application data across societal benefit areas(see Figure 15). Such <strong>in</strong>teractions should also promotethe <strong>in</strong>troduction <strong>of</strong> new scientific techniques <strong>and</strong>technologies <strong>in</strong> the component observ<strong>in</strong>g systems.17Figure 15: Information needs <strong>and</strong> observation requirements for all GEO societal benefit areas emphasize the multitude <strong>of</strong> benefitsfrom cont<strong>in</strong>uous <strong>and</strong> consistent global l<strong>and</strong> cover observations (from 2007 GEO M<strong>in</strong>isterial Summit Early Achievement on “Improvedglobal l<strong>and</strong> cover observations <strong>and</strong> assessments”).Identify gaps <strong>in</strong> observations,research <strong>and</strong> developmentProvision <strong>of</strong> long time series<strong>of</strong> observationsThrough the def<strong>in</strong>ition <strong>of</strong> its overall goals, <strong>GEOSS</strong>emphasizes the need for <strong>in</strong>creased scientificunderst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g to develop the necessary applications.By consider<strong>in</strong>g the application <strong>of</strong> observations acrossall the societal benefit areas, it should help identifygaps as well as overlaps <strong>in</strong> the observ<strong>in</strong>g systems <strong>in</strong>order to achieve an optimized data base <strong>in</strong> technical,operational <strong>and</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g terms.<strong>The</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> long time series <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong> situ, aircraft<strong>and</strong> satellite Earth observation is fundamental to theprogress <strong>in</strong> Earth sciences. Such observations arecrucially important for detection <strong>of</strong> trends <strong>and</strong>, forexample with<strong>in</strong> climate change, a number <strong>of</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>uity<strong>and</strong> quality criteria for observational data havebeen def<strong>in</strong>ed under the “GCOS climate monitor<strong>in</strong>gpr<strong>in</strong>ciples”. In order to make possible a reliable detection

<strong>of</strong> trends hav<strong>in</strong>g a slow rate <strong>of</strong> change, the data mustalso be well calibrated <strong>and</strong> cross-calibrated with datafrom other sources. Through its societal benefit areas<strong>GEOSS</strong> identifies the need for such data.<strong>GEOSS</strong> should support the susta<strong>in</strong>ability <strong>and</strong> availability<strong>of</strong> long-term measurements by promot<strong>in</strong>g thisnecessity to relevant fund<strong>in</strong>g agencies for the benefits,needs, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>of</strong> all societal benefit areas.Improve access <strong>and</strong>harmonization <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>-situ dataThrough <strong>GEOSS</strong> <strong>and</strong> its <strong>in</strong>tegrated observ<strong>in</strong>gcomponents, the scientific community shouldhave easy access to <strong>and</strong> make optimal use <strong>of</strong> datafrom different sources. In particular, the <strong>in</strong>-situ(see Figure 16), aircraft <strong>and</strong> satellite observationsare highly diverse, not necessarily st<strong>and</strong>ardised <strong>in</strong>terms <strong>of</strong> formats, etc., <strong>and</strong> sometimes difficult toaccess. <strong>GEOSS</strong> will <strong>in</strong>vest substantial efforts <strong>in</strong> dataharmonization <strong>and</strong> better access.Figure 16: <strong>The</strong> broad-scale global array <strong>of</strong> ocean temperature<strong>and</strong> sal<strong>in</strong>ity pr<strong>of</strong>il<strong>in</strong>g floats, known as Argo, already grownto be a major component <strong>of</strong> the ocean observ<strong>in</strong>g system.Deployments began <strong>in</strong> 2000 (as <strong>of</strong> July 2007 close to 3000floats had been deployed by scientists from 23 nations; from2007 GEO M<strong>in</strong>isterial Summit Early Achievement on “Argo”).18Bridge gaps between science<strong>and</strong> application<strong>GEOSS</strong> has the potential to bridge gaps betweenthe societal benefits relevant applications <strong>and</strong> thenecessary scientific developments.

5 ConclusionsThis document describes the central importance<strong>of</strong> science <strong>and</strong> technology to GEO <strong>and</strong> theimplementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong>. Address<strong>in</strong>g the scientific<strong>and</strong> technological aspects <strong>of</strong> the GEO Work Plan isvital to realiz<strong>in</strong>g the societal benefits promised by<strong>GEOSS</strong> <strong>and</strong> to rais<strong>in</strong>g political awareness <strong>of</strong> thesebenefits. Fortunately, the science community isbecom<strong>in</strong>g more <strong>and</strong> more <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> GEO, asconfirmed by the <strong>in</strong>clusion <strong>of</strong> GEO Work Plan Tasks<strong>and</strong> activities <strong>in</strong> the programmes <strong>and</strong> strategies <strong>of</strong> agrow<strong>in</strong>g number <strong>of</strong> organizations. Some <strong>in</strong>ternationalorganizations deeply <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the shap<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong>implementation <strong>of</strong> research programmes are alreadyGEO Participat<strong>in</strong>g Organizations <strong>and</strong> are contribut<strong>in</strong>gto the work <strong>of</strong> the GEO <strong>Science</strong> & <strong>Technology</strong>Committee. Increas<strong>in</strong>gly, the connection to GEO hasensured the credibility <strong>of</strong> a programme or activity<strong>and</strong> become crucial for fund rais<strong>in</strong>g. This documentseeks to encourage more scientists, research<strong>in</strong>stitutions, <strong>and</strong> fund<strong>in</strong>g agencies to contribute to<strong>GEOSS</strong>. In addition, it aims to engage the scientificcommunity more fully <strong>in</strong> the construction <strong>of</strong> <strong>GEOSS</strong><strong>in</strong> order to encourage further breakthroughs <strong>in</strong> ourunderst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Earth’s chang<strong>in</strong>g environment <strong>and</strong>the global <strong>in</strong>tegrated Earth system <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong> all GEOsocietal benefit areas.19

20Annex IGEO 2007-2009 Work Plan Tasks assignedto the <strong>Science</strong> & <strong>Technology</strong> CommitteeDI-06-03: Integration <strong>of</strong> InSAR technologyThis task is led by IGOS-P <strong>and</strong> GreecePo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Gonéri Le Cozannet (G.LeCozannet@brgm.fr)Support the improved <strong>in</strong>tegration <strong>of</strong> InSAR (InterferometricSynthetic Aperture Radar) technology for disaster warn<strong>in</strong>g<strong>and</strong> prediction.HE-07-02: Environment <strong>and</strong> Health Monitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong>Modell<strong>in</strong>gNo Lead or Po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> ContactInitiate projects to further develop <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>tegrate databases<strong>of</strong> remotely sensed <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>-situ environmental measurements(<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g basel<strong>in</strong>e geochemical data such as trace-elementtoxicity <strong>and</strong> deficiencies) together with new observationscharacteriz<strong>in</strong>g atmospheric, soil, river, lake <strong>and</strong> coastalmar<strong>in</strong>e pollution, <strong>and</strong> develop models to relate these toexposure <strong>and</strong> health effects data. This task will lead tothe identification <strong>of</strong> mechanisms for alert<strong>in</strong>g public healthpr<strong>of</strong>essionals on hazardous conditions identified by themonitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> these parameters, as well as further <strong>in</strong>form<strong>in</strong>gepidemiological modell<strong>in</strong>g studies.EN-07-02: Energy Environmental Impact Monitor<strong>in</strong>gThis task is led by the Netherl<strong>and</strong>sPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Emile Elewaut (emile.elewaut@tno.nl)Promote the development <strong>of</strong> Earth observation systemsfor the monitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> prediction <strong>of</strong> environmental impactfrom energy resource exploration, extraction, transportation<strong>and</strong>/or exploitation. Related activities will <strong>in</strong>clude: Promote<strong>and</strong> develop the use <strong>of</strong> Earth observation data for impactmonitor<strong>in</strong>g; support the development <strong>of</strong> modell<strong>in</strong>g systemshelp<strong>in</strong>g to quantify <strong>and</strong> anticipate changes e.g. to freshwater,biodiversity, ecosystems, atmospheric <strong>and</strong> oceaniccomposition, <strong>and</strong> ground elevation, <strong>and</strong> make relevantsynergies with carbon sequestration <strong>and</strong> greenhouse gasmonitor<strong>in</strong>g activities, <strong>and</strong> with Task US-07-01.CL-06-01: Susta<strong>in</strong>ed Reprocess<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> ReanalysisEffortsThis task is led by GCOS <strong>and</strong> CEOSEnsure the development <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational mechanisms tocoord<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>and</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>ed climate data reprocess<strong>in</strong>g<strong>and</strong> reanalysis efforts. With regard to the reprocess<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>historical datasets (to obta<strong>in</strong> consistent long-time series <strong>of</strong>satellite records), make relevant synergies with Task CL-06-02.CL-07-01: Seamless Weather <strong>and</strong> Climate PredictionSystemThis task is led by WWRP-THORPEX <strong>and</strong> WCRPPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Jim Caughey (jcaughey@wmo.<strong>in</strong>t)Support the development <strong>of</strong> a WWRP-THORPEX/WCRP<strong>in</strong>itiative on “International Weather, Climate <strong>and</strong> Earth-system<strong>Science</strong>”, to better address uncerta<strong>in</strong>ties associated withclimate variability <strong>and</strong> change, <strong>and</strong> related societal impacts.Related activities will <strong>in</strong>clude: Promote <strong>in</strong>ternational multidiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary(physics-biology-chemistry) collaboration onthe development <strong>of</strong> a high-resolution seamless weather/climate global prediction system - <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g coupledatmosphere-ocean data assimilation, <strong>and</strong> support thedevelopment <strong>of</strong> an <strong>in</strong>ternational framework for the design<strong>and</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> a unified approach toward weather,climate, Earth system, <strong>and</strong> societal-economic research.WA-06-02: Forecast Models for Drought <strong>and</strong> WaterResource ManagementThis task is led by Tunisia, IGOS-P, WCRP <strong>and</strong> USAPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: John Schaake (john.schaake@noaa.gov)Enhanced prediction <strong>of</strong> the global water cycle variation isa key contribution to mitigation <strong>of</strong> water related disasters,drought, <strong>and</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>able human development. Forecast<strong>in</strong>gmethods are to be improved for use by hydrologicalservices throughout the world. <strong>The</strong> hydrological data <strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>formation system <strong>in</strong>frastructure should be determ<strong>in</strong>ed,the data from hydrological <strong>and</strong> meteorological servicesshould be pulled together first on a global level <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gmoisture flux from the air-sea <strong>in</strong>terface, on a national level<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g terrestrial systems <strong>and</strong> then on river bas<strong>in</strong> level.<strong>The</strong> systems should also be made <strong>in</strong>teroperable to facilitateglobal exchange <strong>of</strong> data <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation. An <strong>in</strong>ternationalsymposium is proposed to be held on approaches toEarth observations, drought predictive capabilities <strong>and</strong>management responses.WA-07-01: Global Water Quality Monitor<strong>in</strong>gThis task is led by F<strong>in</strong>l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> IGWCOPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Steven Greb (steven.greb@wiscons<strong>in</strong>.gov)Many aspects <strong>of</strong> water quality monitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> assessment,both <strong>in</strong>-situ <strong>and</strong> remotely sensed are severely deficient.Many countries lack the technical, <strong>in</strong>stitutional, <strong>and</strong>f<strong>in</strong>ancial resources to conduct proper assessments us<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>-situ water quality monitor<strong>in</strong>g methods for terrestrialsources <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> the coastal ocean. Remote-sensedoperational systems <strong>of</strong> global-scale freshwater quality arenon-existent. Operational observation systems need to bedeveloped, <strong>and</strong> the result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation systems should bemade compatible <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>teroperable as part <strong>of</strong> the system<strong>of</strong> systems. This task builds on the outcomes <strong>of</strong> the waterquality workshops <strong>in</strong> 2006 <strong>and</strong> 2007 <strong>and</strong> first pilot projects

are be<strong>in</strong>g planned to beg<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> Asia as a result <strong>of</strong> the AsiaWater Resource Management Capacity Build<strong>in</strong>g Workshop.This Task has relevant synergies with HE-07-02.WA-O8-01: Integration <strong>of</strong> In-situ <strong>and</strong> Satellite Datafor Water Cycle Monitor<strong>in</strong>gThis task is led by Portugal, WMO, IGOS-P, Japan, <strong>and</strong> GOOSIt represents the merger <strong>of</strong> WA-06-05 <strong>and</strong> WA-07-02.Current capabilities <strong>of</strong> water cycle observations are<strong>in</strong>adequate for monitor<strong>in</strong>g long-term changes <strong>in</strong> the globalwater system <strong>and</strong> their feedback <strong>in</strong>to the climate system.In addition, the lack <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>accessibility <strong>of</strong> crucial data isa major constra<strong>in</strong>t on decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g for susta<strong>in</strong>abledevelopment <strong>of</strong> water resources <strong>and</strong> improvement <strong>of</strong> watermanagement practices. To address this gap, an <strong>in</strong>tegrative<strong>in</strong>itiative is needed, <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g different types <strong>of</strong> scientificaswell as applications-oriented efforts <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>itiatives (e.g.WCRP/GEWEX/CEOP). It would comb<strong>in</strong>e different types <strong>of</strong>satellite <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>-situ observations related to key variables <strong>of</strong>the water cycle (e.g. precipitation, soil moisture, snow waterequivalent, surface water, ground water, streamflow, etc.),eventually with model outputs, for improved accuracy <strong>and</strong>global coverage. In addition to fill<strong>in</strong>g gaps <strong>in</strong> measurementcapability, the <strong>in</strong>itiative should advocate the <strong>in</strong>teroperability<strong>of</strong> observ<strong>in</strong>g systems <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ardization <strong>of</strong> metadata <strong>in</strong>order to promote the shar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> data <strong>and</strong> telecommunication<strong>in</strong>frastructures. <strong>The</strong> Hydrological Applications <strong>and</strong> Run-OffNetwork (HARON) Project is proposed as one <strong>of</strong> the meansto accomplish the operational aspect <strong>of</strong> these goals, <strong>and</strong>ultimately provide the most comprehensive water cycle<strong>in</strong>formation possible to the science community, waterresource managers, <strong>and</strong> other decision-makers. Otherongo<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives related to <strong>in</strong>tegrated precipitationproducts, soil moisture <strong>and</strong> groundwater will also provideessential contributions.WE-06-03: THORPEX Interactive Global Gr<strong>and</strong>Ensemble (TIGGE)This task is led by WWRP-WMOPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Jim Caughey (jcaughey@wmo.<strong>in</strong>t)Facilitate the development <strong>and</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>tenance <strong>of</strong> a prototypeglobal operational multi-model ensemble prediction system(e.g. through THORPEX) <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g easily accessibledatabases. Development <strong>of</strong> TIGGE, together with regionalensemble prediction systems (TIGGE-LAM) <strong>and</strong> theassociated data bases, will be an important contribution tothe successful implementation <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> GEO tasksthat relate to risk management, early warn<strong>in</strong>g systems,major hazards <strong>and</strong> associated impacts.WE-07-01: Data Assimilation <strong>and</strong> Modell<strong>in</strong>g forOperational UseThis task is led by IGOS-P, WMO/GAW, <strong>and</strong> AustraliaPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: John LeMarshall (j.lemarshall@bom.gov.au)Advocate <strong>and</strong> facilitate the development <strong>and</strong> implementation<strong>of</strong> advanced data assimilation systems that will be able t<strong>of</strong>ully exploit a broad spectrum <strong>of</strong> surface-based <strong>and</strong> spacebasedEarth observations. In particular, there is a need fora focused effort to develop <strong>and</strong> support the assimilation <strong>of</strong>aerosols by weather forecast models that actively coupleaerosols to radiation <strong>and</strong> hence address feedbacks onsignificant weather <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g heat waves, extra-tropicalstorms, monsoon onsets, <strong>and</strong> breaks.EC-06-01: Integrated Global Carbon Observation(IGCO)This task is led by USA <strong>and</strong> IGOS-PPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Roger Dargaville (r.dargaville@unesco.org)Support the Integrated Global Carbon Observation (IGCO)development <strong>of</strong> a global carbon-observ<strong>in</strong>g system, <strong>in</strong>particular improved global networks <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>-situ CO2observations <strong>and</strong> absorption <strong>of</strong> CO2 by the oceans <strong>and</strong>result<strong>in</strong>g acidification.EC-06-02: Ecosystem Classification <strong>and</strong> Mapp<strong>in</strong>gThis task is led by the USA <strong>and</strong> ParaguayPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Roger Sayre (rsayre@usgs.gov)Cont<strong>in</strong>ue the work <strong>of</strong> the Ecosystems Classification Task Force,cover<strong>in</strong>g terrestrial, freshwater, <strong>and</strong> ocean ecosystems, to createa globally agreed, robust, <strong>and</strong> viable global classification schemefor ecosystems. Establish l<strong>in</strong>ks to exist<strong>in</strong>g databases, such as theOcean Biogeographic Information System. In parallel with theclassification effort, develop, review, <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>itiate a mapp<strong>in</strong>gapproach to spatially del<strong>in</strong>eate the classified ecosystems.EC-07-01: Global Ecosystem Observation <strong>and</strong>Monitor<strong>in</strong>g NetworkNo Lead or Po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact.This task will coord<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>and</strong> improve terrestrial (forests, urbanagriculture, woodl<strong>and</strong>s, grassl<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> deserts), freshwater,ice, <strong>and</strong> oceans ecosystem observation, characterization<strong>and</strong> monitor<strong>in</strong>g especially <strong>in</strong> terms <strong>of</strong> acquisition <strong>and</strong> use <strong>of</strong>satellite, aerial <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong> situ observation. This theme will addressthe development <strong>of</strong> a global <strong>in</strong>tegrated sampl<strong>in</strong>g frame <strong>in</strong>coord<strong>in</strong>ation with the <strong>GEOSS</strong> Geodesy activities. It will promotecharacterization, mapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> monitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> ecosystems atlocal, national, regional <strong>and</strong> global scales, <strong>and</strong> systematic <strong>and</strong>formal methods for measur<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>and</strong> surface <strong>and</strong> vegetationattributes, especially for the protected areas systems plann<strong>in</strong>g,characterization, <strong>and</strong> monitor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> protected areas.Task components <strong>in</strong>clude develop<strong>in</strong>g formal methods forcollect<strong>in</strong>g plot (<strong>in</strong>-situ) data, <strong>and</strong> for translat<strong>in</strong>g betweendifferent systems, produce a manual <strong>of</strong> fields methodsfor terrestrial data, <strong>and</strong> capture exist<strong>in</strong>g plot data <strong>in</strong>to anoperational <strong>in</strong>formation system. <strong>The</strong> task will also promotethe use <strong>of</strong> Earth observation data to detect the effects <strong>of</strong><strong>in</strong>sects, pathogens, water temperature, <strong>and</strong> elevation <strong>and</strong>chemical stresses on ecosystems.21

22AG-06-02: Data Utilization <strong>in</strong> AquacultureThis task is led by Spa<strong>in</strong> <strong>and</strong> CanadaPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Cristobal Suanzes (cristobal.suanzes@md.ieo.es)Consult with scientists <strong>and</strong> experts from the fisheries,aquaculture, coastal zone management <strong>and</strong> Earthobservation communities at <strong>in</strong>ternational <strong>and</strong> regionallevels to identify opportunities for enhanced utilization <strong>of</strong>Earth observations <strong>in</strong> fisheries <strong>and</strong> aquaculture.AG-07-01: Improv<strong>in</strong>g Measurements <strong>of</strong> BiomassThis task is led by the USA.Po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Steven Runn<strong>in</strong>g (swr@ntsg.umt.edu)In order to enable a susta<strong>in</strong>ed use <strong>of</strong> Earth observation data <strong>in</strong>the area <strong>of</strong> agriculture <strong>and</strong> fisheries, it is necessary to furtherexplore the utility <strong>of</strong> current Earth observations with<strong>in</strong> theagricultural <strong>and</strong> mar<strong>in</strong>e biology sectors, especially <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>gcountries with an emphasis on improv<strong>in</strong>g classification <strong>and</strong>quantification <strong>of</strong> terrestrial <strong>and</strong> mar<strong>in</strong>e biomass.BI-06-03: Captur<strong>in</strong>g Historical Biodiversity DataThis task is led by GBIFPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: James Edwards (jedwards@gbif.org)Implement the strategic plan for captur<strong>in</strong>g historicalbiodiversity data from natural history collections <strong>and</strong> theresearch community. <strong>The</strong> Global Biodiversity InformationFacility (GBIF), with DIVERSITAS <strong>and</strong> GTOS, conducted aworkshop on “Def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g user needs for a global observationsystem for biodiversity” on 23-25 October 2006.BI-07-01: Biodiversity Observation <strong>and</strong> Monitor<strong>in</strong>gNetworkThis task is led by DIVERSITAS International <strong>and</strong> the USA.Po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Norbert Juergens (Norbert.Juergens@t-onl<strong>in</strong>e.de)Develop <strong>and</strong> implement a biodiversity observation networkthat is spatially <strong>and</strong> topically prioritized, based on analysis<strong>of</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation, identify<strong>in</strong>g unique or highly diverseecosystems <strong>and</strong> those support<strong>in</strong>g migratory, endemic orglobally threatened species, those whose biodiversity is<strong>of</strong> socioeconomic importance, <strong>and</strong> which can support the2010 CBD target. Develop a strategy for assess<strong>in</strong>g biodiversityat both the species <strong>and</strong> ecosystems level. Facilitate theestablishment <strong>of</strong> monitor<strong>in</strong>g systems that enable frequent,repeated, globally coord<strong>in</strong>ated assessment <strong>of</strong> trends<strong>and</strong> distributions <strong>of</strong> species <strong>and</strong> ecosystems <strong>of</strong> specialconservation merit. Facilitate consensus on data collectionprotocols <strong>and</strong> the coord<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> the development <strong>of</strong><strong>in</strong>teroperability among monitor<strong>in</strong>g programs.BI-07-02: Invasive Species Monitor<strong>in</strong>g SystemThis task is led by the USAPo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Anne Simpson (asimpson@usgs.gov)Invasive alien species (IAS) threaten biodiversity <strong>and</strong> exerta tremendous cost on society for IAS prevention <strong>and</strong>eradication. <strong>The</strong>y endanger natural ecosystem function<strong>in</strong>g<strong>and</strong> seriously impact biodiversity <strong>and</strong> agricultural production.It is therefore necessary to characterize, monitor <strong>and</strong>predict changes <strong>in</strong> the distribution <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>vasive species. Thistask will characterize the current requirements <strong>and</strong> capacityfor <strong>in</strong>vasive species monitor<strong>in</strong>g, identify gaps, <strong>and</strong> developstrategies for implement<strong>in</strong>g cross search functionality amongexist<strong>in</strong>g onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>vasive species <strong>in</strong>formation systems fromaround the globe. <strong>The</strong> task will be coord<strong>in</strong>ated by members<strong>of</strong> the Global Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN),<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g (but not limited to) the USGS National BiologicalInformation Infrastructure (NBII), IUCN/SSC Invasive SpeciesSpecialist <strong>Group</strong> (ISSG), the Global Biodiversity InformationFacility (GBIF), the Global Invasive Species Programme(GISP), <strong>and</strong> CAB International, with collaboration fromNASA, the USGS National Institute <strong>of</strong> Invasive Species<strong>Science</strong>, Discover Life, Diversitas International, <strong>and</strong> other<strong>in</strong>formation managers work<strong>in</strong>g with the <strong>in</strong>vasive speciesscience community.DA-06-03: Ensemble-Technique Forecast<strong>in</strong>gDemonstrationsThis task is led by the UK <strong>and</strong> GreecePo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> Contact: Craig Donlon (craig.donlon@met<strong>of</strong>fice.gov.uk)Facilitate the development <strong>of</strong> demonstration projectspromot<strong>in</strong>g the wider use, <strong>in</strong> other discipl<strong>in</strong>es, <strong>of</strong>ensemble-based techniques orig<strong>in</strong>ally developed forweather forecast<strong>in</strong>g.

Annex IIList <strong>of</strong> AcronymsACC.............Antarctic Circumpolar CurrentAMMA.........African Monsoon Multidiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary AnalysesCBD.............Convention on Biological DiversityCEOP............Coord<strong>in</strong>ated Energy <strong>and</strong> Water CycleObservations ProjectCEOS............Committee on Earth Observation SatellitesCLIVAR.........Climate Variability <strong>and</strong> Predictability ProgramEC................European CommissionEC FP7.........European Commission7 th Framework ProgramECMWF........European Centre for Medium-rangeWeather ForecastsESSP.............Earth System <strong>Science</strong> PartnershipGAW............Global Atmosphere WatchGBIF.............Global Biodiversity Information FacilityGCOS...........Global Climate Observ<strong>in</strong>g SystemGCP.............Global Carbon ProjectGECAFS.......Global Environmental Change<strong>and</strong> Food SystemsGEC&HH......Global Environmental Change<strong>and</strong> Human HealthGEO.............<strong>Group</strong> on Earth ObservationsGEO-IV.........4 th GEO Plenary Meet<strong>in</strong>g<strong>GEOSS</strong>.........Global Earth Observation System <strong>of</strong> SystemsGEWEX........Global Energy <strong>and</strong> Water Cycle ExperimentGGOS...........Global Geodetic Observ<strong>in</strong>g SystemGISIN............Global Invasive Species Information NetworkGISP.............Global Invasive Species ProgrammeGOFC-GOLD.Global Observation <strong>of</strong> Forest<strong>and</strong> L<strong>and</strong> Cover DynamicsGOOS..........Global Ocean Observ<strong>in</strong>g SystemGOS.............Global Observ<strong>in</strong>g SystemGTOS...........Global Terrestrial Observ<strong>in</strong>g SystemGWSP..........Global Water System ProjectHARON........Hydrological Applications<strong>and</strong> Run-Off NetworkIAS...............Invasive Alien SpeciesICSU.............International Council for <strong>Science</strong>IGBP.............International Geosphere-Biosphere ProgrammeIGCO............Integrated Global Carbon ObservationIGFA.............International <strong>Group</strong> <strong>of</strong> Fund<strong>in</strong>g Agencies forGlobal Change ResearchIGOS-P.........Integrated Global Observ<strong>in</strong>gStrategy PartnershipIGWCO .......Integrated Global Water Cycle ObservationsIHDP.............International Human Dimensions Programmeon Global Environmental ChangeIIASA............International Institutefor Applied System AnalysisIMoSEB........International Mechanism <strong>of</strong> ScientificExpertise on BiodiversityInSAR...........Interferometric Synthetic Aperture RadarIOC..............Intergovernmental OceanographicCommissionIOCCP..........International Ocean CarbonCoord<strong>in</strong>ation ProjectIPCC.............Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeISSC.............Invasive Species Specialist <strong>Group</strong>IUCN............<strong>The</strong> World Conservation UnionJAMSTEC.....Japan Agency for Mar<strong>in</strong>e-Earth <strong>Science</strong> <strong>and</strong><strong>Technology</strong>JMA.............Japan Meteorological AgencyLAM.............Limited Area ModelMERIT..........Men<strong>in</strong>gitis Environmental RiskInformation TechnologiesNASA...........National Aeronautics<strong>and</strong> Space Adm<strong>in</strong>istrationNBII..............National Biological Information InfrastructureNH...............Northern HemisphereNOOA..........National Oceanic <strong>and</strong> AtmosphericAdm<strong>in</strong>istrationNWP............Operational numerical weather predictionOOPC...........Ocean Observations Panel for ClimateREN21..........Renewable Energy Policy NetworkSAR..............Synthetic Aperture RadarSBA..............Societal Benefit AreaSDI...............Space Data InfrastructureSH................Southern HemisphereSOP..............Special Observ<strong>in</strong>g PeriodSSC..............Species Specialist <strong>Group</strong>SSH..............Sea Surface HeightTHORPEX ....<strong>The</strong> Observ<strong>in</strong>g-system Research <strong>and</strong>Predictability ExperimentTIGGE .........THORPEX Interactive Global Gr<strong>and</strong> EnsembleTOPEX..........Topography ExperimentUN...............United NationsUNESCO.......United Nations Educational, Scientific <strong>and</strong>Cultural OrganizationUSA.............United States <strong>of</strong> AmericaUSGS............U.S. Geological SurveyWCRP...........World Climate Research ProgrammeWHO............World Health OrganizationWMO...........World Meteorological OrganizationWWRP.........World Weather Research Programme23

Annex IIIGEO Members <strong>and</strong> Participat<strong>in</strong>g Organizations represented on the GEO <strong>Science</strong><strong>and</strong> <strong>Technology</strong> Committee24MembersArgent<strong>in</strong>aAustraliaCanadaCh<strong>in</strong>aCroatiaEuropean CommissionF<strong>in</strong>l<strong>and</strong>FranceGermanyGreeceIndiaIranItalyJapanKorea, Republic <strong>of</strong>MauritiusNetherl<strong>and</strong>sNew Zeal<strong>and</strong>NorwayPortugalRussian FederationSouth AfricaSpa<strong>in</strong>Switzerl<strong>and</strong>Thail<strong>and</strong>Ukra<strong>in</strong>eUnited K<strong>in</strong>gdomUnited StatesUzbekistanParticipat<strong>in</strong>g OrganizationsAARSE.....................African Association <strong>of</strong> Remote Sens<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the EnvironmentCEOS........................Committee on Earth Observation SatellitesCOSPAR...................Committee on Space ResearchDIVERSITAS..............An <strong>in</strong>ternational programme <strong>of</strong> biodiversity scienceECMWF ...................European Centre for Medium-Range Weather ForecastsEEA..........................European Environmental AgencyEUMETNET...............Network <strong>of</strong> European Meteorological Services/CompositeObserv<strong>in</strong>g SystemEUMETSAT...............European Organisation for the Exploitation <strong>of</strong>Meteorological SatellitesEuroGeoSurveys.......<strong>The</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> the Geological Surveys <strong>of</strong> the EuropeanUnionFDSN .......................Federation <strong>of</strong> Digital Broad-B<strong>and</strong> Seismograph NetworksGCOS.......................Global Climate Observ<strong>in</strong>g SystemGOOS......................Global Ocean Observ<strong>in</strong>g SystemIAG..........................International Association <strong>of</strong> GeodesyICSU.........................International Council for <strong>Science</strong>IEEE..........................Institute <strong>of</strong> Electrical <strong>and</strong> Electronics Eng<strong>in</strong>eersIGBP ........................International Geosphere-Biosphere ProgramIGOS-P.....................Integrated Global Observ<strong>in</strong>g Strategy PartnershipISCGM.....................International Steer<strong>in</strong>g Committee for Global Mapp<strong>in</strong>gISPRS .......................International Society for Photogrammetry <strong>and</strong> RemoteSens<strong>in</strong>gPOGO......................Partnership for Observation <strong>of</strong> the Global OceanUNEP........................United Nations Environment ProgrammeUNESCO...................United Nations Educational, Scientific <strong>and</strong> CulturalOrganizationWCRP.......................World Climate Research ProgrammeWMO.......................World Meteorological Organization

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