WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION
EC-PORS-5/ INF. 10(2)
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
PANEL OF EXPERTS ON POLAR OBSERVATIONS,
RESEARCH AND SERVICES
Fifth session
Date: 5 February 2014
AGENDA ITEM: 3.1
Wellington, New Zealand, 25 – 28 February 2014
CLIMATE OBSERVATIONS, NETWORKS AND
DATA MANAGEMENT
DECISIONS/ACTIONS REQUIRED:
EC-PORS is informed on the following CCl activities that will influence the progress in
addressing all observations for climate. Observations in cold areas and mountainous
regions are part of CCl focus.
CONTENT OF DOCUMENT:
Role of CCl in the development of climate observations, networks and related data
management aspects relevant to Polar Regions.
EC-PORS-5, INF.10(2), p. 2
Role of CCl in the development of climate observations, networks and related data
management aspects relevant to Polar Regions
1.
The Guide to Climatological Practices (WMO No. 100) was last formally updated in 2011,
and CCl has agreed on an update schedule. Chapter 2 (Climate Observations, Stations and
Networks) is due to be updated in 2016, which might include an update on solid precipitations in
cold and mountainous areas. This update will be worked out through a new proposed structure of
CCl. CCl MG proposed a revised structure for the CCl for its sixteenth intersessional period (201418), including among other elements of structure a pool of rapporteurs to engage with and
communicate climate observational needs to all relevant Technical Commissions and other groups
such as WIGOS, WIS, GCOS, JCOMM, Global Cryospheric Watch (GCW), etc. Working groups
are planned to work with SPICE to identify improved methods of measuring sold precipitation, and
to develop plans for the establishment of global voluntary observing networks where existing
networks are inadequate. Experts from the pool would also respond to ad hoc requests to CCl on
issues of data or standards. It is also considered useful to establish a working group to scope and
if thought suitable, to progress, the development of a quantitative version of the Statement of
Guidance for climate observational needs.
2.
CCl presented its plans to develop a High Quality Global Data Management Framework for
Climate (HQ-GDMFC), for the purpose of establishing a best-practice guidance and regulatory
framework for climate data management within WMO Member countries. EC-65 welcomed this
initiative and requested CCl to work with other commissions and programmes on defining the HQGDMFC. This framework would address quality and management issues relevant to all climate
data, such as also those pertaining to GCW. An inter-commission programme of work will be
discussed at CCl-16.
3.
CCl is working on an international Data Rescue Portal that would provide information
services on inventory of climate records existing world wide, data rescue projects and best
practices and technologies for recovering and digitizing climate records.
4.
The nomenclature of “Centennial Climate Stations” is being developed by CCl, recognizing
those observing stations which have accumulated at least 100 years of measurements. EC-65 has
requested CCl to investigate, jointly with GCOS and CIMO, an appropriate WMO mechanism for
the designation of such stations so as the raise the awareness among decision makers about the
importance of maintaining long-term observations for climate assessment, adaptation and services.
Recommendations:
 Recognize the importance of above CCl activities for GCW. Cold and mountainous
regions are amongst the most sensitive areas to climate change and having huge
consequence on weather and climate globally, regionally and/or locally. Improving,
maintaining observation networks and managing related data in these areas is very
important. Guiding Members on what to do and how to do in these aspects is becoming
an urgent issue for implementing high quality climate assessment and climate services.
 Request CCl to accelerate its work with other Commissions and Programmes to develop
common guidance on network requirement, maintenance, sustainability, data
management and the recovery and digitisation of old records in support of GCW.