Task Team GUAN
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Terms of Reference
GCOS Upper Air Network (TT-GUAN-1) Terms of Reference
1. Complete actions A13 and A14 in the GCOS IP on the GUAN vision, and start the implementation of any resulting changes to GUAN. As part of this process document the benefits of GUAN.
2. Specifically, review and update the requirements of the GUAN, in terms of:
a. Availability Currently the GUAN membership is primarily a result of location, historical records and a commitment by WMO Members. Management is primarily passive, informing and encouraging, which means that underperforming stations are rarely censured. The task team should consider whether an alternative metric or set of metrics should be used in future. This consideration should extend to timeliness and vertical resolution considerations.
b. Scheduling GUAN radiosondes are currently launched at 00 and/or 12Z for historical reasons. The task team should assess from the range of climate application areas (trend detection, satellite cal/val, process understanding etc.) whether a change to this guidance is required. This should be done in collaboration with CBS Expert-Team in Surface Based Observations.
c. Balloon burst height GUAN radiosondes at many of the stations do not meet the stated heights required in GCOS-144. Analysis is required to assess the cost-benefit basis of making regular ascents to the height currently stipulated. currently stipulated.
d. Required quality.
Should GUAN sites launch radiosondes that meet certain quality criteria? If so, how should these criteria be assigned and assessed to ensure a robust and fair system?
3. Monitor the use of BUFR reporting and the associated metadata for GUAN GCOS IP A5
4. Document requirements and propose a process for retaining original radiosonde measurements (raw data) as detailed in GCOS IP A17
1. Complete actions A13 and A14 in the GCOS IP on the GUAN vision, and start the implementation of any resulting changes to GUAN. As part of this process document the benefits of GUAN.
2. Specifically, review and update the requirements of the GUAN, in terms of:
a. Availability Currently the GUAN membership is primarily a result of location, historical records and a commitment by WMO Members. Management is primarily passive, informing and encouraging, which means that underperforming stations are rarely censured. The task team should consider whether an alternative metric or set of metrics should be used in future. This consideration should extend to timeliness and vertical resolution considerations.
b. Scheduling GUAN radiosondes are currently launched at 00 and/or 12Z for historical reasons. The task team should assess from the range of climate application areas (trend detection, satellite cal/val, process understanding etc.) whether a change to this guidance is required. This should be done in collaboration with CBS Expert-Team in Surface Based Observations.
c. Balloon burst height GUAN radiosondes at many of the stations do not meet the stated heights required in GCOS-144. Analysis is required to assess the cost-benefit basis of making regular ascents to the height currently stipulated. currently stipulated.
d. Required quality.
Should GUAN sites launch radiosondes that meet certain quality criteria? If so, how should these criteria be assigned and assessed to ensure a robust and fair system?
3. Monitor the use of BUFR reporting and the associated metadata for GUAN GCOS IP A5
4. Document requirements and propose a process for retaining original radiosonde measurements (raw data) as detailed in GCOS IP A17
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