Toward a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS)
Toshio Koike (1)
(1) Department Civil Engineering, University of Tokyo
Because of the profound influence of the Asian monsoon on people's lives, It is extremely important to improve the accuracy of seasonal forecasting of monsoon rainfall, as well as understanding of the water cycle and water resources in the areas of Asia that are affected by the monsoon. Furthermore, the understanding of the role of Asian monsoon in the world's energy and water cycle is an extremely important aspect of understanding the mechanism of climate change on a global scale.
To tackle such challenges, in 1995, under a Japanese initiative, the GEWEX Asian Monsoon Experiment (GAME) was approved as an international joint research project under the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). In the summer of 1998, a programme of intensive observations was implemented. In Asian countries, various research organizations involved in climate observation and prediction are expanding through their participation in GAME. With the aim of building upon these achievements, WCRP has started to implement the Coordinated Enhanced Observation Period (CEOP), in which intensive observations on a global scale are to be conducted during 2001 through 2004. The Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) Partnership recognized the CEOP as a much desired precursor to a potential new IGOS Theme: the IGOS Water Cycle theme.
GAME and CEOP are relatively brief research projects. As a next step, we want to establish an international framework for operating a sustained observational scheme of the global water cycle that makes maximum use of the valuable information gained for the benefit of society. It is extremely important to monitor continuously the state of the Earth, to increase understanding of dynamic Earth processes, to enhance prediction of the Earth system, and to further implement our international environmental treaty obligations. A 10-Year Implementation Plan for establishing the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), which in now under discussion in the framework of the Earth Observation Summits, will make a bridge between the scientific and technological efforts and achievement on the regional and global water cycle and the benefit of society in Monsoon Asia.
Submittal Information
Name :
Date :
Toshio Koke
09-Aug-04-14:13:37
Organization :
Theme :
Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Tokyo