HR: 17:00h
AN: A12E-05    [PDF]
TI: Aura as Part of Integrated Global Atmospheric Chemistry Observations (IGACO)
AU: * Fishman, J
EM: jack.fishman@nasa.gov
AF: Atmospheric Scieces, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681 United States
AU: Barrie, L A
EM: barrie_L@gateway.wmo.ch
AF: Environmental Division, AREP, World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, 2 Switzerland
AU: Langen, J
EM: Joerg.Langen@esa.int
AF: ESTEC, European Space Agency, Noordwijk, 2200 AG Netherlands
AB: The Aura satellite will become one of the cornerstones for the establishment of an integrated observational system for atmospheric composition measurements. Although atmospheric chemistry measurements lag the observational system for physical variables by several decades, all the components for such a system are either in place or, with careful planning, readily available at a reasonable cost within the next few years. What is missing is a strategic plan. Thus, recognizing the need for improvement and continuity of observation programs and for the integration of observation techniques and data, the "Integrated Global Atmospheric Chemistry Observations" (IGACO) theme has been adopted as one of several themes that fall under the umbrella of the Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS). Tentatively to be completed within the year, the IGACO theme report will provide an analysis of the current and projected global atmospheric chemistry observing system, define the chemical variables that are prime candidates for an integrated global approach, and suggest a methodology as to how the IGACO system can be implemented. The IGACO report will also define gaps in the near-term measurement capabilities and make recommendations as to how such shortcomings might be remedied. The IGACO theme evolves from the establishment of IGOS, which was formed in1998 through a formal exchange of letters amongst 13 founding partners including CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Systems, which includes most of the world's space agencies), WMO/GAW (World Meteorological Organization's Global Atmospheric Watch Program), IGBP (International Global Biosphere Program), UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program), and others. Initially four themes were approved for development of an observational plan or Theme Report: The Ocean, The Global Water Cycle, The Global Carbon Cycle and Atmospheric Chemistry. A panel of international scientists co-convened by WMO and the European Space Agency is in the process of developing the atmospheric chemistry theme report. This presentation will focus on the status of this theme report, which is currently under review by the international atmospheric chemistry community. Included in the report is a summary of the contributions of existing and committed space missions and ground networks in support of these needs. The report will also encourage the development of refined chemical transport models and data assimilation systems needed to interpret atmospheric chemistry observations and to predict the future state of the atmosphere. Lastly, the report will urge the adoption of a globally integrated prioritized and cost effective approach that will encourage environmental and health protection agencies to participate in global atmospheric monitoring strategies.
DE: 0300 ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE
DE: 0305 Aerosols and particles (0345, 4801)
DE: 0340 Middle atmosphere--composition and chemistry
DE: 0345 Pollution--urban and regional (0305)
DE: 0365 Troposphere--composition and chemistry
SC: Atmospheric Sciences [A]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting