5.4
GAW contributing networks, data submission and use
Collaboration between different agencies, institutions and academia are central to GAW. Examples of
established collaboration include those between WMO/GAW and other UN agencies and programmes,
the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) project of the International GeosphereBiosphere Programme (IGBP), with European Union programmes and projects. With the increasing
interest in urban-related issues, further collaborations with environmental agencies worldwide are
needed. Collaboration with relevant communities addressing ocean acidification is also important.
Contributing networks and observations through such collaborations are a valuable component of GAW.
There are important networks that have not signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with GAW but that
GAW may have even extensive collaboration with, such as EMEP, AERONET, SKYNET and MPLNET, and
with which continued efforts to coordinate activities with GAW could extend the global coverage of
observations. There remain Issues of how to integrate data from contributing stations as they may not
follow GAW QA/QC protocols.
Data submission and distribution are important elements in the end-use of the GAW observations. The
impact and use of GAW observations will benefit from improved data submission. Strategies to increase
the data flows and collaborations are needed. Specifically how to help countries to submit data, what
can CAS MG do to help work with the PRs etc to help get data flowing?
Metadata is also an important element. Data submission may benefit from better definition of
“metadata and controlled vocabulary “. The establishment of a truly global group (ECMWF, GEO CoP,
WMO/GAW, others) who could administer a controlled vocabulary database for atmospheric
composition may be positive option.