GAW stations network and other measurements

A network of measurement stations is the backbone of the GAW programme. This network consists of GAW Global and Regional measurement stations with additional measurements from Contributing stations. Both Global and Regional stations are operated by their host countries, either by their National Meteorological Services or by other national scientific organizations. More than 80 countries actively host GAW stations.

Currently GAW coordinates activities and data from 40 Global stations, more than 400 Regional stations, and around 100 Contributing stations operated by Contributing networks (see GAWSIS).

GAW Global stations

GAW Global stations (Download map: png/pdf version)

In recent years satellite programmes have produced important measurements of atmospheric compounds and related parameters that complement the GAW network measurements. When highly accurate local measurements from GAW ground-based stations are coupled with the near global coverage of satellite measurements it results in a more complete picture of atmospheric composition and processes on global scales, and provides complimentary checks of instrument calibrations. The Committee on Earth Observation (CEOS) has developed a strategy for such co-operation within an integrated system for monitoring of the atmosphere (WMO/GAW Report No.140 ).

Join the GAW Network

To become a GAW station, follow the steps below.

  1. Please carefully study the essential requirements for a GAW station to make sure that your station qualifies for one of the types.  You can suggest the type of the station in your application but final decision will be made based on the basic requirements met by the station.
  2. Fill in the application letter and send it by email and by ordinary post (a signed paper version) to wmoatwmo [dot] int (wmo[at]wmo[dot]int) ; jbourdeuatwmo [dot] int (jbourdeu[at]wmo[dot]int) (CC) and smorenoatwmo [dot] int (smoreno[at]wmo[dot]int) (CC).
  3. To update the status of the registered stations similar letter is required.
  4. Your application will be considered by respective expert group and confirmation will be sent to you. Please kindly specify your contact details in the application.
  5. Together with a submission of the application please register your station in the GAW Station Information System (GAWSIS).

    GAW Station Information System
  6. As soon as you get a confirmation of acceptance the status of the station in GAWSIS will be updated and the station becomes visible to the public.
  7. If you have started your measurement earlier than a year ago, please submit the data to the respective World Data Center. If you have just started your measurement programme kindly submit the data and metadata in due time.
  8. Annually (or more often if needed) check/update the information in GAWSIS on the data submission and station status (e.g. extension of the measurement programme). If this is not done, the station is moved to the non-active category.

    Requirements