HR: 1340h
AN: H23D-1144    [Abstracts]
TI: Towards an Integrated Global Water Cycle Observations (IGWCO) Strategy
AU: * Lawford, R G
EM: lawford@umbc.edu
AF: International GEWEX Project Office, Suite 450 1010 Wayne Ave. , Silver Spring, MD 20910 United States
AB: The Integrated Global Observing Strategy Partnership (IGOS-P), which consists of space agencies (represented by the Committee on Earth Observing Satellites) and international programs, adopted water as a priority in 2001. Subsequently, in November 2003, it adopted a Global Water Cycle Observations theme report and now is planning follow-on activities. The Integrated Global Water Cycle Observing (IGWCO) strategy provides an international framework for guiding decisions on priorities and strategies regarding water cycle observations for: a) monitoring climate variability and change; b) effective water management and sustainable development of the world's water resources; c) societal applications for resource development and environmental management; d) specification of initial conditions for weather and climate forecasts, and e) research directed at priority water cycle questions. It also promotes strategies that facilitate the processing, archiving and distribution of water cycle data and products. The IGWCO report contains a number of recommendations aimed at improving water cycle observations and products and supporting the further development of the theme. Since November 2003, a number of steps have been taken to develop a plan for implementing the theme. This implementation plan has identified activities and studies related to the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period (CEOP), the Global Water System Project (GWSP), and the development of integrated precipitation and soil moisture products. Other activities under consideration involve building the capacity of developing countries to make measurements and analyze global water cycle variables thereby strengthening their ability to manage national water resources. The purpose of this presentation is to inform the scientific community of these activities and to solicit advice and assistance in the implementation of the strategy.
DE: 1655 Water cycles (1836)
DE: 1833 Hydroclimatology
DE: 1854 Precipitation (3354)
DE: 0933 Remote sensing
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting