Sustained, Coordinated Processing of Environmental Satellite Data for Climate Monitoring

Sustained, Coordinated Processing of Environmental Satellite Data for Climate Monitoring (SCOPE-CM)

(Note: SCOPE-CM was initially named "R/SSC-CM" for "Regional/Specialized Satellite Centres for Climate Monitoring")

The aim of the Sustained, Co-Ordinated Processing of Environmental Satellite Data for Climate Monitoring (SCOPE-CM) is to establish a network of facilities ensuring continuous and sustained provision of high-quality satellite products related to the Essential Climate Variables (ECV), on a global scale, responding to the requirements of the Global Climate Observing system (GCOS).

GCOS requirements for satellite-based products are specified in the GCOS Implementation Plan [GCOS-92, WMO-TD N° 1219] and its Satellite Supplement [GCOS-107, WMO-TD N° 1338].

The activity plan and organizational structure of SCOPE-CM are described in the Implementation Plan adopted (in its first version) on 9 November 2007 at the second potential participants meeting, and updated thereafter.

The participating organizations in the SCOPE-CM initiative are initially:
- CMA, EUMETSAT (serving as Secretariat), JMA, NOAA, and USGS as technical agencies
- CGMS, CEOS, GCOS, GSICS and WMO providing oversight and support through the Executive Panel .

The diagram below illustrates the role of SCOPE-CM with respect to the space-based Global Observing System and GSICS:

SCOPE-CM Status (March 2009)

At the first RSSC-CM Planning meeting held in Darmstadt in April 2008, five topics were identified for initial activities:

• AVHRR based data set of cloud and aerosol properties
• SSM/I: total column water vapour, precipitation, liquid water path
• Surface albedo, clouds and aerosols from geostationary satellites
• Atmospheric Motion Vectors (AMV) and clear sky radiance
• Upper tropospheric humidity

Proposals have been prepared for the generation of these products.

The Executive Panel had a first teleconference in January 2009 to review the Implementation Plan and Terms of Reference.

The Executive Panel held its first meeting on 25-26 February in Geneva, where it adopted the new name "SCOPE-CM" . The five proposals were presented and were endorsed as pilot projects.

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