The Gap Analysis for Integrated Atmospheric ECV Climate Monitoring Project

Abstract:

The GAIA-CLIM project is a European Horizon 2020 funded project aimed at improving the use and usefulness of sub-orbital data to characterize and validate satellite measurements. The project consists of 18 partners with expertise in a broad range of sub-orbital and satellite observations and will run from 2015 through 2018. It intends to make use of primarily reference quality measurements (traceable with robust uncertainty quantification) to achieve its aims. Work packages cover:

* Defining and mapping sub-orbital measurement capabilities based upon quantifable properties such as traceability and representivity;

* Improving metrological characterisation of key measurements including robust uncertainty estimation;

* Improved understanding of the effects of inevitable co-location mismatch related uncertainties; and

* The use of data assimilation as tool for propogating information from reference network measurements.

Outcomes will be presented through a 'Virtual Observatory' facility via EUMETSAT with the plan to potentially become an operational service for the future. There are many opportunities to get involved including, but not limited to, an envisaged series of user workshops. We would also appreciate having volunteers who may be interested in beta testing and providing feedback on the tools from the Virtual Observatory. Further details on the project can be found at www.gaia-clim.eu.

This presentation will primarily provide an overview of project objectives. Some very initial results and outcomes shall be highlighted to give a flavor of what may be expected in the future.