Terms of Reference for WMO CBS
Commission for Basic Systems
President: Dr
Alexander Gusev (Russian
Federation)
OPAG on Integrated Observing Systems Implementation Coordination Team on Integrated Observing System (ICT-IOS)
Chairman: James Purdom (USA)
1.1
Expert Team on Evolution of the Global Observing System (ET-EGOS)
(a) Update and report on observational
data requirements of the WWW as well as other WMO and international programmes supported by WMO;
(b) Review and report on the capability of both ground-based and space-based systems that are candidate components of
the evolving composite GOS;
(c) Carry out the rolling requirements review of several application areas using subject area experts (including
atmospheric chemistry through liaison with CAS, marine meteorology and oceanography through liaison with JCOMM, aeronautical meteorology through
liaison with CAeM, agrometeorology through liaison with CAgM, hydrology through liaison with CHy, and climate variability and change detection through
liaison with CCl and GCOS);
(d) Review the implications of the Statements of Guidance concerning the strengths and deficiencies in the existing GOS
and evaluate the capabilities of new observing systems and possibilities for improvements and efficiencies in the GOS; taking particular care to
examine the implications of changes in observing technology, in particular changes to automated techniques (such as Automated Surface Observing
Stations), on the effectiveness of all WMO Programmes, and report on major consequences in a timely fashion;
(e) Carry out studies of hypothetical changes to the GOS with the assistance of NWP centres;
(f) Maintain and update the Implementation Plan for Evolution of the GOS, taking into account
developments with respect to GEOSS; monitor progress against the Plan, report progress and updated Plan through ICT-IOS to CBS;
(g) Prepare a document to assist Members, summarizing the results from the above activities.
Leader: John Eyre (UK)
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1.2
Expert Team on Evolution of Satellite System Utilization and Products (ET-SSUP)
(a) In following the rolling
requirements review for the Strategy to Improve Satellite System Utilization, analyse the 2006 biennial questionnaire, compile a list of recommended
actions based on that analysis and prepare a new technical document, including a summary analysis from the Virtual Laboratory for Satellite Data
Utilization’s Centres of Excellence;
(b) Extend the regional ADM concept and principles to IGDDS for operational and R&D satellites, in close
coordination with the CGMS standing working group on this issue and with WIS activities aimed at harmonizing the services to the maximum extent
possible;
(c) Review present and future R&D satellite data and products including their availability and applications in view
of better utilization by WMO Members;
(d) Represent WMO Member needs to the Virtual Laboratory for Satellite Data Utilization in relevant areas, including:
(i) Organize training events aiming at further increasing the number of staff and their skills in
full utilization of satellite data, from both operational and R&D satellite data;
(ii) Help ensure Members have access to training materials and courses, as well as provide advice on
ways to access data, products, and algorithms from both operational and R&D satellites;
(iii) With the Virtual Library Focus Group, evaluate the success and needs of the Virtual Library
components and suggest strategies for improving its performance;
(iv) Begin preparation for global high profile global training event to take place in 2006 or 2007;
(e) Prepare documents to assist Members, summarizing the results from the above activities.
Leader : Jerôme
Lafeuille (France)
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1.3
Expert Team on Satellite Systems (ET-SAT)
(a) Provide technical advice
with respect to both operational and R&D environmental satellites to assist in the integration of WMO-coordinated observing systems;
(b) Advise CBS through ICT-IOS on matters requiring feedback to the WMO Consultative Meetings on High-level Policy on
Satellite Matters;
(c) Assess the observation, collection, and analysis systems relating to the use of operational and R&D
environmental satellites contributing, or with the potential to contribute, to the space-based subsystem of the GOS, and to suggest improvements of
system capabilities, particularly with respect to developing countries;
(d) Assist CBS in assessing the status of implementation of the space-based subsystem of the GOS and the adequacy of
plans for implementation for meeting established requirements for satellite data and products;
(e) Make recommendations with respect to the transition of relevant R&D instruments to operational environmental
satellites;
(f) Coordinate with other relevant CBS teams with a view to making recommendations on matters, such as the exchange,
management, and archiving of satellite data and products, radio frequency utilization, as well as education an training and other appropriate
capacity-building measures related to satellite meteorology;
(g) Identify and assess opportunities and/or problem areas concerning satellite technology and plans of relevant
satellite operators, and inform CBS timely and comprehensively through ICT-IOS.
Leader: Wenjian Zhang
(China)
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1.4
Expert Team on Requirements for Data from Automatic Weather Stations (ET-AWS)
(a) Develop, jointly with experts
designated by CCl, JCOMM, CIMO, GCOS and AMDAR, the guidelines for AWS quality control procedures for future publication in all appropriate WMO
documents;
(b) Develop, jointly with experts designated by CCl, JCOMM, CIMO, GCOS and AMDAR, standards for a basic
set of variables to be reported by AWS installations;
(c) Develop practical examples based on the standards developed for AWS metadata;
(d) Develop, jointly with experts designated by CIMO and expert from manufacturers, a procedure whereby users can
access information on how various AWS parameters are computed;
(e) Review the need for updating BUFR/CREX descriptors and templates for AWS data and suggest proposals, if needed.
Leader: Rainer
Dombrowsky
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OPAG on Information Systems and Services Implementation Coordination Team on Information Systems and Services (ICT-ISS)
Chairman: Peiliang Shi (China)
1.5
Coordination Team on Migration to Table-driven Code Forms (CT-MTDCF)
(a) Coordinate, monitor
and assess the overall implementation of the migration plan to table-driven representation forms and related training activities. Work with national
and regional focal points to identify possible pilot projects;
(b) Identify and solve in cooperation with national and regional focal points problems that may arise during the migration
phase;
(c) Define and review the related software projects for distribution of universal BUFR, CREX and GRIB encoding/decoding
software;
(d) Work with ET-DRC to identify and develop additional BUFR and CREX descriptors to address the optional sections of
existing code structures within the current alphanumeric code forms and to address regional and national coding and reporting practices as needed;
(e) Provide central coordination of activities including experimental and operational exchange. Work with the
Secretariat to report on these activities in a “Migration News” section of the WWW Operational Newsletter;
(f) Work together with other relevant international bodies including ICAO, CAeM, IOC, JCOMM and satellite operators, to
coordinate, agree and resolve migration issues related to specific code types;
(g) Monitor the impact of the migration process on the GTS and data-processing centres. Identify problems and
coordinate with national and regional focal points, RTH focal points, other Teams and OPAGs as needed to develop and implement solutions;
(h) Coordinate and work with national migration to TDCF Steering Groups (MTSG) and national focal points to assist
their development and implementation of their National Implementation Plans;
(i) The chairperson of CT-MTDCF would sit as a member on ET-DRC and other groups as needed.
Leader: Fred Branski (USA)
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1.6
Expert Team on Data Representation and Codes (ET-DRC)
(a) Maintain all WMO data
representation forms and further develop table-driven codes in particular BUFR, CREX, and GRIB edition 2, by defining descriptors, common sequences
and data templates, including the data representation of regional practices, so they meet the requirements of all Members and other concerned
international organizations, such as ICAO, most efficiently;
(b) Adapt and update current reporting practices in the alphanumeric code regulations for adaptation to table-driven
code forms; work with the OPAG on IOS to ensure that statements on observing practices are consistent and in appropriate formats and locations;
(c) Invite and assist Members to participate in the experimental exchange of data encoded in modified or new formats,
and provide Members with guidance on data representation of national practices, on a bilateral basis;
(d) Determine the continuing use of the different WMO data representation forms and recommend options for their future
roles or disposition;
(e) Update the content of the Manual on Codes (WMO-No. 306) and the Guide to WMO Table-driven Code Forms, as
required;
(f) Develop guidance and practices for the meteorological information representation based on XML and on NetCDF.
Leader: Milan
Dragosavac (ECMWF)
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1.7
Inter-programme Expert Team on Metadata Implementation (IPET-MI)
(a) Pursue the development of
the metadata1 standard to be used in the WIS as a WMO core profile within the context of the ISO 19115 geographic information standard, and contribute
to, and interact with, ISO as appropriate, including creating a core feature catalogue in compliance with ISO 19110;
(b) Develop WMO metadata standard extensions specific to the WWW Programme, and promote development of extensions
specific to other WMO Programmes in liaison with respective technical commissions;
(c) Further study the use of related ISO metadata standards, especially the ISO 19100 series, for the development of
the WIS;
(d) Coordinate the development of reference XML metadata1 templates and reference implementation;
(e) Develop guidance for the implementation and use of operational information catalogues.
Leader: Stephen Foreman
(UK)
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1.8
Expert Team on GTS-WIS Operations and Implementation (ET-OI)
(a) Monitor the GTS-WIS
operational information flow and coordinate management of operational information exchange procedures, routing and traffic; coordinate the allocation
of abbreviated headings required for the exchange of data and products and for the migration to TDCF;
(b) Coordinate and further develop recommended practices and guidance on the management of, and access to, operational
information related to WWW information exchange, specially for GTS-WIS operation (abbreviated heading tables, catalogue of bulletins and files,
routing directories, etc.);
(c) Develop recommendations for coordinated implementation and planning of techniques, procedures and systems for the
MTN and MTN centres, including towards the core communication component of WIS;
(d) Develop a mechanism for the allocation of unique identifiers required for file naming convention, and other
identification purposes;
(e) Identify implementation issues requiring the urgent consideration of the OPAG on ISS.
Leaders: Kelvin Wong (Australia)
and Leonid Bezruk (Russian Federation)
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1.9
Expert Team on WIS-GTS Communication Techniques and Structure (ET-CTS)
(a) Develop recommended
practices and technical guidance material for data communication techniques and procedures (GTS, WIS and Internet), including security aspects, with a
view to ensuring efficient and safe operations of information systems, and inform Members of relevant developments in ITU and ISO;
(b) Review standard TCP/IP procedures and applications, including new developments (e.g. IPv6) that are relevant to WWW
and other WMO Programme requirements, and develop recommended practices;
(c) Review and develop updates to recommended practices for data-communication and data access procedures, including
OPeNDAP, NetCDF and HDF, as well as consolidation of the file naming convention for operational routeing and distribution;
(d) Develop the organization and design principles for the WIS data communication structure, and coordinate related
pilot projects;
(e) Review and propose updates to the organization and design principles for the GTS to take the best benefits of ICT
development, especially as regards its smooth evolution towards the core communication component of WIS;
(f) Provide guidance on technical, operational and administrative/financial aspects of datacommunication services for
WIS implementation, especially for the GTS -WIS at the global, regional and national levels, including dedicated and public services (e.g.
satellite-based telecommunications, managed data-communication network services, the Internet);
(g) Review current and anticipated data-communication and information system requirements of the WWW and other WMO
Programmes.
Leader: Jean-François
Gagnon
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1.10
Expert Team on WIS GISCs and DCPCs (ET-WISC)
(a) Develop technical and
operational specifications for the different components of the WIS GISCs;
(b) Develop technical and operational specifications for the different components of the WIS DCPCs;
(c) Develop criteria for interoperability and certification for actual implementation;
(d) Coordinate related pilot projects.
Leaders: Heinrich
Knottenberg (Germany) and Al Kellie
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1.11
Steering Group on Radio-frequency Coordination (SG-RFC)
(a) Keep under review
allocations of radio-frequency bands and assignments of radio-frequencies to meteorological activities for operational requirements
(telecommunications, instruments, sensors, etc.) and research purposes, in close coordination with other technical commissions, especially CIMO and
the CBS/OPAG on IOS;
(b) Coordinate with WMO Members, with the assistance of the WMO Secretariat, to:
(i) Ensure the proper notification and assignment of frequencies used for meteorological purpose;
(ii) Determine their future use of the radio spectrum for meteorological purpose;
(c) Keep abreast of the activities of the Radiocommunication Sector of the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU-R), and in particular of the Radiocommunication Study Groups, on frequency matters pertaining to meteorological activities, and assist the WMO
Secretariat in its participation in ITU-R work;
(d) Prepare and coordinate proposals and advice to WMO Members on radio-regulation matters pertaining to meteorological
activities with a view to ITU Radiocommunication Study Groups, Radiocommunication Assembly, World Radiocommunication Conferences and related
regional/global preparatory meetings;
(e) Facilitate the coordination between WMO Members for the use of frequency bands allocated to meteorological
activities with respect to:
(i) Coordination of frequency use/assignments between countries;
(ii) Coordination of frequency use/assignments between various radio communication services (e.g.
meteorological aids and data collection platforms (DCPs)) sharing the same band;
(f) Facilitate the coordination of WMO with other international organizations which address radiospectrum planning,
including specialized organizations (e.g. CGMS, the Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG) and regional telecommunication organizations, such as
the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), and the
Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT));
(g) Assist WMO Members, upon request, in the ITU coordination procedure of frequency assignment for radio-communication
systems sharing a frequency band with meteorological radio communication systems.
Leader: Philippe
Tristant (France)
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OPAG on Data-processing and Forecasting System
Chairman: Bernard Strauss (France)
1.12
Coordination Group for Nuclear Emergency Response Activities
(a) Test and improve the
collective ability of all RSMCs, the IAEA, the RTH Offenbach and NMHSs in the ERA to fulfil the operational requirements specified in global and
regional arrangements, according to adopted standards and procedures;
(b) Implement and explore further improved distribution/access methods for specialized products to NMHS, and the IAEA
in collaboration with the IAEA and other relevant organizations;
(c) Examine the development of detailed procedures to activate additional observations in the event of nuclear accident
(requires coordination with the OPAG on IOS);
(d) Enhance cooperation with the CTBTO, including testing of concepts of operational arrangements and participation in
a technical workshop.
Leader: René
Servranckx (Canada)
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1.13
Expert Team on Modelling of Atmospheric Transport for Non-nuclear ERA
(a) Identify the needs of the NMHSs
for atmospheric transport modelling;
(b) Examine the atmospheric transport modelling capabilities of RSMCs and other centres for support to non-nuclear
emergencies, for example in volcanic eruptions, dust storms, wildland fires, chemical and biological incidents and other hazards;
(c) Identify the potential role of international organizations (e.g. the World Health Organization (WHO), UNEP, the
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), etc.);
(d) Review the status and develop an action plan.
Leader: Christopher
Ryan (Australia)
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1.14
Expert Team on Ensemble Prediction Systems
(a) Develop education and
training material for forecasters including rationale of concepts and strategies of EPS, and on the nature, interpretation and application of EPS
products;
(b) Review progress on EPS and its application to severe weather forecasting including progress on multicentre
ensembles and on regional model-based EPS, and prepare ways to make best operational usage of these developments;
(c) Review progress on the use of EPS for the targeting of observations;
(d) Review verification system for EPS products, provide guidance on the interpretation of verification and ensure that
the verification system is adequate and meets CBS needs;
(e) Support the further development of the Lead Centre on Verification of EPS by reporting on verification measures and
determining the best way of presenting the ensemble forecasting systems. Report on skill of available products. Provision of relevant software to
NMHSs through the Lead Centre Web site;
(f) Review the list of fields and products that should be distributed taking into account the requirement of all
relevant WMO Programmes;
(g) Propose an update to the Manual on the GDPFS (WMO-No. 485) concerning the list of output products available
for international exchange and dissemination, and the verification system for EPS;
(h) Develop and test procedures for the exchange of EPS data, including the needs of large centres to exchange their
ensembles;
(i) Provide requirements for the dissemination of the products to help the OPAG on ISS in determining appropriate means
of dissemination to assess telecommunication implications.
Leader: Ken Mylne (UK)
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1.15
Expert Team on Infrastructure for Long-range Forecasting
(a) On the basis of stated
requirements for LRF products and their improvements, review input from the GPCs, RCCs and NMHSs and develop proposals concerning the establishment
and implementation of appropriate operational infrastructure for the production, access dissemination and exchange of LRF including multimodel
ensembles;
(b) Develop procedures for the exchange of LRF forecasts between potential centres and agencies concerned including
defining products (multimodel ensemble, model output, forecast skill, etc.) and defining terms and conditions for exchange;
(c) Develop new interpretation guidance to facilitate the correct use of LRF anomaly forecasts;
(d) Enhance the exchange of long-range forecasts between GPCs and agencies;
(e) Report on the production, access, dissemination and exchange and provide recommendations for future consideration
and adoption by CAS, CCl, CBS and other appropriate bodies.
Leader: Willem Landman (South
Africa)
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1.16
Expert Team on Standardized Verification System for Long-range Forecasts
(a) Coordinate the provision of
long-range forecast verification scores and related information from GPCs for use by NMHSs and RCCs;
(b) Encourage and monitor feedback from NMHSs and RCCs on the usefulness of verification information provided by
producing centres under the scheme;
(c) Review the effectiveness of the verification scheme in assisting NMHSs and RCCs to use the globalscale products to
provide end-user services;
(d) Contribute to the further development of the Lead Centre role
and the Web site including the development and provision of relevant software and data sets;
(e) Recommend updates to operational practices to be followed in computation of verification statistics and information
useful to attach to long-range forecast products in the light of the experience and progress in research on verification activities;
(f) In consultation with CAS (CLIVAR/Working Group on Seasonal to Interannual Prediction) and CCl, propose
recommendations to CBS for improvements of the standardized verification system for longrange forecasts (SVSLRF) including for developing areas such
as multimodel ensembles.
Leader:
Normand Gagnon (Canada)
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OPAG on Public Weather Services
Chairman: Gerald Fleming (Ireland)
1.17
Expert Team on Services and Products Improvement (ET-SPI)
(a) Monitor and report on
the progress of earlier initiatives of ET-SPI and make recommendations as appropriate to the OPAG on PWS;
(b) Monitor and report on aspects of services and product improvements that relate to support for major WMO
cross-cutting activities such as disaster prevention and mitigation, the WMO Space Programme and THORPEX;
(c) Identify how best to meet the needs of developing countries in their efforts to improve services and products in
support of their national PWS programme;
(d) Identify, report and provide recommendations on
emerging needs for new and improved products and services with emphasis on key PWS user groups;
(e) Provide guidance on the development of the World Weather Information Service (WWIS) and explore
(f) Keep under review the development of user-oriented
NMHS air quality and bio-meteorological forecasts and warnings;
(g) Explore and advise on the development of appropriate probabilistic forecast products and services enabled by advances in
ensemble prediction systems;
(h) Keep under review developments in verification for PWS with a special emphasis on developing countries;
(i) Keep under review the development of quality management procedures and practices;
(j) Keep abreast of advances in, and promote, as appropriate, the application of emerging technology to the delivery of
public weather services, in particular with emphasis on the application of database and workstation and their implications for the changing role of
the forecaster;
(k) Report and advise on collaborative activities with other CBS OPAGs and technical commissions.
Leader: John Guiney
(USA)
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1.18
Expert Team on PWS in Support of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (ET-DPM)
(a) Monitor and report on the
progress of earlier initiatives of ET-DPM and make recommendations as appropriate to the OPAG on PWS;
(b) Monitor and report on aspects of disaster prevention and mitigation that relate to support of major WMO
cross-cutting activities such as disaster prevention and mitigation, the WMO Space Programme and THORPEX;
(c) Identify ways to assist developing countries in their efforts to improve disaster prevention and mitigation in the
context of their national PWS programme;
(d) Provide guidelines on the development of SWIC for improved international availability and access to NMHSs’ official
severe weather information via the Internet;
(e) Define and clarify the role of PWSs in the early warning process and develop appropriate reference material based
on current practices on early warning highlighting communication and technology aspects. Create general guidelines from reference materials for use by
NMHSs;
(f) Promote awareness of, and provide guidance to, Members on the exchange of public weather forecasts and warnings on
the Internet;
(g) Keep under review the development of cross-border exchange of warnings with reference to the published WMO
guidelines;
(h) Develop reference material on the application of nowcasting to the provision of public warnings associated with
mesoscale weather phenomena;
(i) Report and advise on collaborative activities with other CBS OPAGs and technical commissions.
Leader: Ming-Chung Wong
(China)
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1.19
Expert Team on Communication Aspects of PWS (ET-COM)
(a) Monitor and report on
progress of earlier initiatives of ET-COM and make recommendations as appropriate to the OPAG on PWS;
(b) Monitor and report on communications aspects of PWS that relate to support of major WMO crosscutting activities
such as disaster prevention and mitigation, the WMO Space Programme and THORPEX;
(c) Identify ways to meet the needs of developing countries in their efforts to improve the communication of PWS
products and services;
(d) Examine, report and recommend on ways of continuing to develop positive partnerships with national and
international media organizations, and of assisting NMHSs to improve relations with the media;
(e) Examine, report and recommend on broader use of the Internet for early warnings and other public weather services
products and the application of other new technologies that might enhance public weather services;
(f) Report and advise on ways of assisting NMHSs to enhance the education of users with a view to ensuring more
effective use of PWS and enhancing the usefulness of new products and services;
(g) Promote awareness of the importance of the impact of high quality, well communicated and delivered public weather
services on the image and visibility of the NMHS.
Leader: Jon Gill
(Australia)
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