 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The Atmospheric Chemistry Theme has been approved by the Partners
Background
Few issues
capture the attention of the world as dramatically as climate and the
possibility of global change. However, the assessment of an already complex
situation is made even complex by human-induced impacts on the Earth and
its atmosphere. These impacts will almost certainly grow during the new
century as population increases and as technologies and economies expand.
Data will be essential not only to monitor the state of the Earth and
its climate but also to develop the models needed to interpret observations
and to predict its future evolution.
Assessing the global impact of climate change will become more and more important and will depend upon knowledge of the nature and causes of the change. There are currently grave deficiencies in knowledge of the extent and rate that they are occurring. Correcting this situation by furthering scientific understanding depends on the coupling of a set of long-term ground- and space-based observations (spanning a wide range of temporal and spatial scales) with process studies and models set within the context of Earth system models.
An integral
part of the Earth system is the atmosphere where material and energy are
cycled through the various compartments of the system. Its composition
and evolutions reflect not only the natural bio/geochemical processes
that occur on land and in the ocean, but also, increasingly, human-induced
processes and activities. The assessment and prediction of these various
impacts depends on the development of a full understanding and knowledge
of the chemistry of the atmosphere. Atmospheric chemistry observations
document the state of the atmosphere and thus help understand the processes
that govern its composition and together they provide the basis for assessing
the potential for future change.
Objectives
The objectives of IGACO are to:
|
Ensure long-term continuity and spatial comprehensiveness of atmospheric
composition observations. |
|
Integrate ground-based and space-borne measurements using models and
assimilation tools. |
|
Make the integrated data easily accessible to a wide range of users. |
IGACO will support the acquisition and analysis of atmospheric observation in relation to:
|
The integrations between changing atmospheric composition, chemistry
and climate. |
|
Stratospheric chemistry including ozone depletion and its impact on
UV-B irradiation. |
|
Air quality on local, regional and global scales. |
|
The changing oxidising capacity of the atmosphere. |
Approach
The IGACO team’s strategy can be summarized as follows.
|
Starting from the WMO/CEOS Report 140 “Strategy for Integrating
Satellite and Ground Based Observations of Ozone”, establish
requirements for individual observations and their integration into
the entire observing system. |
|
Review the contributions of existing and committed space missions and
ground networks to these needs. |
|
Identify gaps and overlaps in future observations, and propose ways
to close the gaps. |
|
Encourage an end-to-end data validation process by means of controlled
calibration programmes, algorithm refinements and scientific analysis. |
|
Encourage development of refined chemical transport models and data
assimilation system needed to interpret atmospheric chemistry observations
and to predict the future state of the atmosphere. |
|
Adopt a globally integrated prioritized and cost effective approach. |
|
Encourage environmental and health protection agencies to participate
in global atmospheric monitoring strategies. |
Benefits and applications
|
Enhance scientific understanding of biogeochemical cycles that govern
atmospheric composition, chemistry and climate. |
|
More precise assessment of the effects of climate change and air pollution
on ecosystems, human health and society. |
|
Improved knowledge base for policy-making, e.g. for the design and
assessment of effectiveness of emission reduction strategies. |
|
Enforcement of environmental laws and international conventions. |
|
Improved weather forecasting and environmental predictions (air quality,
biomass burning, dust storms etc). |
Status
The IGACO theme team has identified the major issues, the required data products and integration methods. A detailed review of existing observations was performed. Most of the theme report exists in draft form.
Membership
European Space Agency (ESA/CEOS) (Lead)
Global Observing System/Global Atmosphere Watch (GOS-GAW)
International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA/CEOS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA/CEOS)
National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA/CEOS)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (Lead)
Further information
Contact: Leonard A. Barrie (Lbarrie@wmo.int) and Jorg Langen (Joerg.Langen@esa.int)
Implementation
Update 
- December
2004 - 371kb
Report
-
September 2004 - 4,484kb
Poster
- 944kb
Presentation - will soon be available
Website - will soon be available
