World Meteorological Organization

GCOS Surface Reference Network (GSRN) Task Team: Terms of Reference
1. Create a scientifically robust basis for a proposed network spatial composition, taking into account fairness in national contributions and the need for globally representative measurements;
2. Accounting for stakeholder needs including inter-alia climate monitoring, process understanding and understanding remaining measurements (including space-borne measurement systems), define a robust siting rationale;
3. Propose a phased implementation that ‘starts small, but starts’ and builds over time to a holistic set of measurements of all relevant ECVs at each site to the extent practicable;
4. Alight on a potential governance structure in collaboration with key stakeholders;
5. Propose one or more management options that undertake day-to-day operational oversight and ensures a globally traceable, comparable network of measurements, recruiting possible host institutions;
6. Provide indicative costings on the proposed solutions sufficient to inform a decision as to whether to move forwards;
7. Address additional needs identified by the group and agreed with AOPC as they arise.