CBS/OPAG-IOS/ET-EGOS-3/Doc. xx, p. 1
WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION
______COMMISSION FOR BASIC SYSTEMS
OPEN PROGRAMMME AREA GROUP ONINTEGRATED OBSERVING SYSTEMS
EXPERT TEAM ON EVOLUTION OF THE
GLOBAL OBSERVING SYSTEM
THIRD SESSION
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, 9 – 13 JULY 2007 / CBS/OPAG-IOS/ET-EGOS-3/Doc. 6.1(3.VII.2007)
______
ITEM: 6.1
Original: ENGLISH
REVIEW AND UPDATE THE DATABASE OF USER REQUIREMENTS AND
OBSERVING SYSTEM CAPABILITIES
(Submitted by the WMO Secretariat)
SUMMARY AND PURPOSE OF DOCUMENTTo inform the Expert Team on the status of the WMO/CEOS database of User Requirements for Observations and Observing System Capabilities, including description of breakthrough and the proposed changes to these databases.
ACTION PROPOSED
1.The Expert Team is invited to review, amend and approve WMO observational requirements for 2007 as contained in Appendix A as well as to recommend post-meeting actions and their timescales.
2.The meeting is invited to review, amend and approve user estimates of expected observing system performances as contained in Appendix C.
______
Appendices:A.WMO rqmts Max/Min
B.GCOS rqmts Max/Min
C.User estimates of instrument performances
CBS/OPAG-IOS/ET-EGOS-3/Doc. 6.1, p. 2
- ET-EGOS has followed the Rolling Review of Requirements Process whereby observational requirements have been compared to user estimates of expected observational performances. The second session of the CBS OPAG IOS Expert Team on Evolution of the GOS (ET-EGOS-2) reviewed the process for maintaining and updating the database of observational data requirements. It discussed the concept of “breakthrough”, as introduced by EUMETSAT in its preparation process for future satellite missions. The “breakthrough” level is an intermediate value between “threshold” and “goal“that, if achieved, would result in a significant improvement for the targeted application. The breakthrough level is expected to be more appropriate than the “goal” from a cost-benefit point of view. ET-EGOS-2 agreed to introduce this new concept in the database, which would entail a minor change of structure but would require new input from experts in all application areas. As a consequence, the Critical Review charts would be adapted with a new colour code as indicated below:
Threshold Breakthrough Goal
yellow / blue / red
- As can be seen, use of “breakthrough” implies no change to the Goal and Threshold requirement but determining this additional value provides a clearer way to evaluate needs as compared to present and planned observing systems. All observational data requirements contained in the WMO/CEOS database now contain Goal, Threshold and Breakthrough values. Appendix A contains all WMO observational data requirements except for GCOS. Appendix B contains all the GCOS observational data requirements.
- Appendix C is the present list of user estimates of expected observing system performances sorted by observing system and user requirements (alphabetically). It is anticipated that the meeting will review, update and/or validate all the expected performances found in Appendix C. For in situ systems, expected performances are shown for each of the 34 homogeneous areas. The Expert Team should note that the OPAG IOS Expert Team on Satellite Systems (ET-SAT) could also provide input for expected performances from satellite systems. ET-SAT will meet 3-7 September 2007.
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CBS/OPAG-IOS/ET-EGOS-3/Doc. 6.1, APPENDIX A, p. 1
WMO rqmts Max/Min
29-Jun-07
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Aero Met
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 50 km63 km100 km0.15 km0.238 km0.6 km1 h1.4 h3 h1 h1.3 h2 h2 K2.7 K5 K
troposphere (LT)
Cloud drop size (at cloud top)50 km63 km100 km1 h1.4 h3 h1 h1.3 h2 h15 µm18.9 µm30 µm
Cloud ice profile - Higher troposphere (HT)50 km63 km100 km0.15 km0.238 km0.6 km1 h1.4 h3 h1 h1.3 h2 h10 %13.6 %25 %
Cloud ice profile - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km63 km100 km0.15 km0.238 km0.6 km1 h1.4 h3 h1 h1.3 h2 h10 %13.6 %25 %
Cloud water profile (< 100 µm) - Lower troposphere 50 km63 km100 km0.15 km0.238 km0.6 km1 h1.4 h3 h1 h1.3 h2 h10 %13.6 %25 %
(LT)
Cloud water profile (> 100 µm) - Lower troposphere 50 km63 km100 km0.15 km0.238 km0.6 km1 h1.4 h3 h1 h1.3 h2 h10 %13.6 %25 %
(LT)
Specific humidity profile - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km63 km100 km0.15 km0.238 km0.6 km1 h1.4 h3 h1 h1.3 h2 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Higher 50 km63 km100 km0.15 km0.238 km0.6 km0.0833 h0.105 h0.167 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s2.7 m/s5 m/s
troposphere (HT)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 50 km63 km100 km0.15 km0.238 km0.6 km0.0833 h0.105 h0.167 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s2.7 m/s5 m/s
stratosphere (LS)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 50 km63 km100 km0.15 km0.238 km0.6 km0.0833 h0.105 h0.167 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s2.7 m/s5 m/s
troposphere (LT)
Agricultural Meteorology
Fire area0.01 km0.1 km10 km0.25 d0.397 d1 d0.0416 d0.076 d0.25 d5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Fire temperature0.01 km0.1 km10 km0.25 d0.397 d1 d0.0416 d0.076 d0.25 d50 K79.4 K200 K
Fractional Photosynthetically Active Radiation 5 km13.6 km100 km0.0416 d0.23 d7 d1 d1.7 d5 d5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
(fAPAR)
Land cover100 m215.4 m1000 m1 y1.3 y2 y10 d14.4 d30 d10 classes7.4 classes4 classes
Land surface temperature0.1 km0.464 km10 km1 h4.2 h72 h3 h6 h24 h0.3 K0.565 K2 K
Leaf Area Index (LAI)0.01 km0.1 km10 km5 d5.6 d7 d1 d1.7 d5 d5 % (Max)6.3 % 10 % (Max)
Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI)1 km2.2 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d1 d1.7 d5 d5 % (Max)6.3 % 10 % (Max)
Precipitation index (daily cumulative)10 km17.1 km50 km24 h34.6 h72 h24 h30.2 h48 h2 mm/d3.4 mm/d10 mm/d
Snow cover1 km2.2 km10 km120 h134.2 h168 h24 h43.6 h144 h2 % (Max)3.4 % 10 % (Max)
Snow water equivalent1 km2.2 km10 km168 h272.9 h720 h24 h45.9 h168 h5 mm23.2 mm500 mm
Soil moisture0.1 km0.215 km1 km1 d1.9 d7 d1 d1.7 d5 d10 g/kg17.1 g/kg50 g/kg
1
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Soil type0.1 km0.464 km10 km1 y1.3 y2 y10 d14.4 d30 d15 classes10.4 5 classes
Vegetation type50 m107.7 m500 m30 d37.8 d60 d1 d1.9 d7 d30 classes16.5 5 classes
Atmospheric chemistry
Aerosol profile - Higher stratosphere & mesosphere 50 km107.7 km500 km1 km2.2 km10 km6 h9.5 h24 h12 h28.9 h168 h10 %12.6 %20 %
(HS & M)
Aerosol profile - Higher troposphere (HT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km6 h9.5 h24 h12 h28.9 h168 h10 %12.6 %20 %
Aerosol profile - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km6 h9.5 h24 h12 h28.9 h168 h10 %12.6 %20 %
Aerosol profile - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km6 h9.5 h24 h12 h28.9 h168 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Cloud imagery100 km126 km200 km3 h4.8 h12 h72 h95.5 h168 h
Ozone profile - Higher stratosphere & mesosphere 50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km3 h7.6 h48 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %8.5 %25 %
(HS & M)
Ozone profile - Higher troposphere (HT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km3 h11.5 h168 h72 h95.5 h168 h3 %5.6 %20 %
Ozone profile - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km3 h11.5 h168 h72 h95.5 h168 h3 %5.6 %20 %
Ozone profile - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km3 h11.5 h168 h72 h95.5 h168 h3 %5.6 %20 %
Ozone profile - Total column25 km39.7 km100 km6 h12 h48 h3 h11.5 h168 h6 DU9 DU20 DU
Specific humidity profile - Higher stratosphere & 50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km12 h21.8 h72 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %7.9 %20 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Specific humidity profile - Higher troposphere (HT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km12 h21.8 h72 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Specific humidity profile - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km12 h21.8 h72 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Specific humidity profile - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.7 km5 km6 h13.7 h72 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Trace gas profile BrO - Higher stratosphere & 100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile BrO - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile BrO - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile BrO - Lower troposphere (LT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CFC 11 - Higher stratosphere & 100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile CFC 11 - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CFC 11 - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CFC 11 - Lower troposphere (LT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CFC 12 - Higher stratosphere & 100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile CFC 12 - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CFC 12 - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
2
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Trace gas profile CFC 12 - Lower troposphere (LT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CH4 - Higher stratosphere & 50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %3.4 %10 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile CH4 - Higher troposphere (HT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %3.4 %10 %
Trace gas profile CH4 - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %3.4 %10 %
Trace gas profile CH4 - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %3.4 %10 %
Trace gas profile ClO - Higher stratosphere & 100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile ClO - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile ClO - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile ClO - Lower troposphere (LT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile ClONO2 - Higher stratosphere & 100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile ClONO2 - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile ClONO2 - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CO - Higher troposphere (HT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CO - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CO - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile CO2 - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %2.7 %5 %
Trace gas profile COS - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km12 h21.8 h72 h24 h45.9 h168 h15 %17.8 %25 %
Trace gas profile COS - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km12 h21.8 h72 h24 h45.9 h168 h15 %17.8 %25 %
Trace gas profile COS - Lower troposphere (LT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km12 h21.8 h72 h24 h45.9 h168 h15 %17.8 %25 %
Trace gas profile HCHO - Total column50 km107.7 km500 km24 h30.2 h48 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %7.2 %15 %
Trace gas profile HCl - Higher stratosphere & 100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %2.7 %5 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile HCl - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.1 km1.5 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %2.7 %5 %
Trace gas profile HCl - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %2.7 %5 %
Trace gas profile HNO3 - Higher stratosphere & 50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile HNO3 - Higher troposphere (HT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile HNO3 - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile HNO3 - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile N2O - Higher stratosphere & 100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %4.3 %20 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
3
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Trace gas profile N2O - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %4.3 %20 %
Trace gas profile N2O - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %4.3 %20 %
Trace gas profile N2O - Lower troposphere (LT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h2 %4.3 %20 %
Trace gas profile NO - Higher stratosphere & 50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile NO - Higher troposphere (HT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile NO - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile NO - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile NO2 - Higher stratosphere & 50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile NO2 - Higher troposphere (HT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile NO2 - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile NO2 - Lower troposphere (LT)50 km107.7 km500 km1 km1.6 km4 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %6.3 %10 %
Trace gas profile NO2 - Total column50 km107.7 km500 km24 h30.2 h48 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %7.2 %15 %
Trace gas profile OH - Higher stratosphere & 100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %9.1 %30 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Trace gas profile OH - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.1 km1.5 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %9.1 %30 %
Trace gas profile OH - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %9.1 %30 %
Trace gas profile OH - Lower troposphere (LT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.1 km1.5 km6 h9.5 h24 h72 h95.5 h168 h5 %9.1 %30 %
Trace gas profile SO2 - Higher troposphere (HT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km12 h21.8 h72 h24 h45.9 h168 h10 %12.6 %20 %
Trace gas profile SO2 - Lower stratosphere (LS)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km12 h21.8 h72 h24 h45.9 h168 h10 %12.6 %20 %
Trace gas profile SO2 - Lower troposphere (LT)100 km171 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km12 h21.8 h72 h24 h45.9 h168 h10 %12.6 %20 %
Global NWP
Aerosol profile - Higher stratosphere & mesosphere 15 km50 km250 km0.2 km2 km3 km1 h6 h24 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h10 %20 %50 %
(HS & M)
Aerosol profile - Higher troposphere (HT)15 km50 km250 km0.2 km2 km3 km1 h6 h24 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h10 %20 %50 %
Aerosol profile - Lower stratosphere (LS)15 km50 km250 km0.2 km2 km3 km1 h6 h24 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h10 %20 %50 %
Aerosol profile - Lower troposphere (LT)15 km50 km250 km0.2 km2 km3 km1 h6 h24 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h10 %20 %50 %
Aerosol profile - Total column15 km50 km250 km1 h6 h24 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h10 %20 %50 %
Air pressure over land surface15 km100 km500 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 hPa0.794 1 hPa
Air pressure over sea surface15 km100 km500 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 hPa0.794 1 hPa
Air specific humidity (at surface)15 km50 km250 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h2 %5 %10 %
Air temperature (at surface)15 km50 km250 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 K1 K2 K
4
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Atmospheric temperature profile - Higher 50 km100 km500 km0.3 km1 km3 km1 h6 h24 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 K3 K5 K
stratosphere & mesosphere (HS & M)
Atmospheric temperature profile - Higher 15 km100 km500 km0.3 km1 km3 km1 h6 h24 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 K1 K3 K
troposphere (HT)
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 15 km100 km500 km0.3 km1 km3 km1 h6 h24 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 K1 K3 K
stratosphere (LS)
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 15 km100 km500 km0.3 km1 km3 km1 h6 h24 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 K1 K3 K
troposphere (LT)
Cloud base height5 km15 km50 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.2 km.5 km1 km
Cloud cover5 km15 km50 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h5 % (Max)10 % 20 % (Max)
Cloud drop size (at cloud top)5 km15 km50 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 µm2 µm5 µm
Cloud ice profile - Higher troposphere (HT)5 km15 km50 km0.2 km1 km2 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h20 %50 %100 %
Cloud ice profile - Lower troposphere (LT)5 km15 km50 km0.2 km1 km2 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h20 %50 %100 %
Cloud ice profile - Total column5 km15 km50 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h5 g/m210 g/m220 g/m2
Cloud imagery1 km2 km5 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h
Cloud top height5 km15 km50 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.2 km.5 km1 km
Cloud water profile (< 100 µm) - Higher troposphere 5 km15 km50 km0.2 km1 km2 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h20 %50 %100 %
(HT)
Cloud water profile (< 100 µm) - Lower troposphere 5 km15 km50 km0.2 km1 km2 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h20 %50 %100 %
(LT)
Cloud water profile (< 100 µm) - Total column5 km15 km50 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h10 kg/m220 kg/m250 kg/m2
Cloud water profile (> 100 µm) - Higher troposphere 5 km15 km50 km0.2 km1 km2 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h20 %50 %100 %
(HT)
Cloud water profile (> 100 µm) - Lower troposphere 5 km15 km50 km0.2 km1 km2 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h20 %50 %100 %
(LT)
Cloud water profile (> 100 µm) - Total column5 km15 km50 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h10 kg/m217.1 kg/m250 kg/m2
Dominant wave direction15 km50 km250 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h10 degrees15 degrees30 degrees
Dominant wave period15 km50 km250 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.25 s.5 s1 s
Downwelling long-wave radiation at the Earth 10 km30 km100 km1 h3 h12 h24 h120 h720 h1 W/m210 W/m220 W/m2
Downwelling short-wave radiation at the Earth 10 km30 km100 km1 h3 h12 h24 h120 h720 h1 W/m210 W/m220 W/m2
Land surface temperature5 km15 km250 km0.5 h3 h6 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 K1 K4 K
Leaf Area Index (LAI)2 km10 km50 km1 d5 d10 d0.125 d1 d10 d5 % (Max)10 % 20 % (Max)
Long-wave Earth surface emissivity5 km15 km50 km24 h120 h720 h24 h120 h720 h0.5 % (Max)1 % (Max)3 % (Max)
Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI)2 km10 km50 km1 d5 d10 d0.125 d1 d10 d5 % (Max)10 % 20 % (Max)
Outgoing long-wave Earth surface10 km30 km100 km1 h3 h12 h24 h120 h720 h1 W/m210 W/m220 W/m2
5
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Outgoing long-wave radiation at TOA10 km30 km100 km1 h3 h12 h24 h120 h720 h5 W/m210 W/m220 W/m2
Outgoing short-wave radiation at TOA10 km30 km100 km1 h3 h12 h24 h120 h720 h5 W/m210 W/m220 W/m2
Outgoing spectral radiance at TOA10 km30 km100 km0.004 d0.0125 5 d24 h120 h720 h5 % (Max)10 % 20 % (Max)
Ozone profile - Higher stratosphere & mesosphere 15 km100 km250 km1 km2.2 km10 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h5 %10 %20 %
(HS & M)
Ozone profile - Higher troposphere (HT)15 km100 km250 km1 km2.2 km10 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h5 %10 %20 %
Ozone profile - Lower stratosphere (LS)15 km100 km250 km1 km2.2 km10 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h5 %10 %20 %
Ozone profile - Lower troposphere (LT)15 km100 km250 km1 km2.2 km10 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h5 %10 %20 %
Ozone profile - Total column15 km100 km250 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h5 DU10 DU20 DU
Precipitation index (daily cumulative)10 km30 km100 km1 h3 h12 h24 h120 h720 h0.5 mm/d2 mm/d5 mm/d
Precipitation rate (liquid) at the surface5 km15 km50 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.1 mm/h.5 mm/h1 mm/h
Precipitation rate (solid) at the surface5 km15 km50 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.1 mm/h.5 mm/h1 mm/h
Sea surface temperature5 km15 km250 km3 h24 h120 h3 h24 h120 h0.3 K.5 K1 K
Sea-ice cover5 km15 km100 km0.125 d1 d5 d0.125 d1 d5 d5 % (Max)10 % 20 % (Max)
Sea-ice surface temperature5 km15 km250 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 K1 K4 K
Sea-ice thickness15 km50 km250 km1 d5 d30 d1 d5 d30 d20 cm50 cm100 cm
Sea-ice type10 km25 km100 km0.125 d1 d5 d0.125 d1 d5 d4 classes3 classes2 classes
Short-wave cloud reflectance10 km30 km100 km1 h3 h12 h24 h120 h720 h1 % (Max)3 % (Max)10 % (Max)
Short-wave Earth surface bi-directional reflectance10 km30 km100 km1 h3 h12 h24 h120 h720 h1 % (Max)2 % (Max)5 % (Max)
Significant wave height15 km50 km250 km1 h3 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.1 m.3 m0.5 m
Snow cover5 km15 km100 km3 h24 h120 h3 h24 h120 h10 % (Max)20 % 50 % (Max)
Snow water equivalent5 km15 km100 km3 h24 h120 h3 h24 h120 h2 mm10 mm20 mm
Soil moisture5 km15 km100 km0.125 d1 d5 d0.125 d1 d5 d10 g/kg20 g/kg50 g/kg
Specific humidity profile - Higher troposphere (HT)15 km50 km250 km0.5 km1 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h2 %5 %10 %
Specific humidity profile - Lower troposphere (LT)15 km50 km250 km0.3 km1 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h2 %5 %10 %
Specific humidity profile - Total column15 km50 km250 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 kg/m22 kg/m25 kg/m2
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Higher 50 km100 km500 km1 km2 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 m/s5 m/s10 m/s
stratosphere & mesosphere (HS & M)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Higher 15 km100 km500 km0.5 km1 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 m/s3 m/s8 m/s
troposphere (HT)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 15 km100 km500 km0.5 km1 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 m/s3 m/s5 m/s
stratosphere (LS)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 15 km100 km500 km0.5 km1 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 m/s3 m/s5 m/s
troposphere (LT)
6
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Wind profile (vertical component) - Higher 15 km200 km500 km0.5 km2 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 cm/s3 cm/s5 cm/s
stratosphere & mesosphere (HS & M)
Wind profile (vertical component) - Higher 15 km200 km500 km0.5 km2 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 cm/s3 cm/s5 cm/s
troposphere (HT)
Wind profile (vertical component) - Lower 15 km200 km500 km0.5 km2 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 cm/s3 cm/s5 cm/s
stratosphere (LS)
Wind profile (vertical component) - Lower 15 km200 km500 km0.5 km2 km3 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h1 cm/s3 cm/s5 cm/s
troposphere (LT)
Wind speed over land surface (horizontal)15 km100 km250 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 m/s1.5 m/s2 m/s
Wind speed over sea surface (horizontal)15 km100 km250 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 m/s1.5 m/s2 m/s
Wind vector over land surface (horizontal)15 km100 km250 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 m/s2 m/s3 m/s
Wind vector over sea surface (horizontal)15 km100 km250 km1 h6 h12 h0.1 h0.5 h6 h0.5 m/s2 m/s3 m/s
Hydrology
Iceberg fractional cover1 km3.7 km50 km1 d2.3 d12 d1 d1.6 d4 d10 % (Max)12.6 % 20 % (Max)
Iceberg height1 km3.7 km50 km1 d2.3 d12 d1 d1.6 d4 d1 m1.3 m2 m
Land cover10 m292.4 m2500000.02 y0.074 y1 y1 d1.9 d7 d50 classes23.2 5 classes
Land surface imagery10 m292.4 m2500001 d7.1 d365 d1 d1.9 d7 d
Land surface temperature0.01 km0.292 km250 km1 h5.5 h168 h24 h45.9 h168 h0.3 K0.646 K3 K
Land surface topography100 m215.4 m1000 m10 y17.1 y50 y30 d81.4 d600 d1 m (vert.)1.7 m 5 m (vert.)
Leaf Area Index (LAI)0.01 km0.1 km10 km7 d10.6 d24 d1 d1.7 d5 d5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Long-wave Earth surface emissivity0.01 km0.292 km250 km24 h54.9 h288 h24 h54.9 h288 h5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI)0.01 km0.292 km250 km1 d3.1 d30 d1 d1.9 d7 d1 % (Max)2.7 % 20 % (Max)
Outgoing long-wave radiation at TOA10 km21.5 km100 km1 h2.3 h12 h24 h45.9 h168 h5 W/m27.9 W/m220 W/m2
Outgoing short-wave radiation at TOA0.1 km1.26 km200 km1 h1.8 h6 h24 h45.9 h168 h5 W/m27.9 W/m220 W/m2
Permafrost0.1 km1 km100 km0.25 d0.572 d3 d0.25 d0.721 d6 d5 % (Max)8.5 % 25 % (Max)
Sea level0.1 km0.464 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d1 d1.9 d7 d2 cm3.4 cm10 cm
Snow cover0.1 km1 km100 km24 h45.9 h168 h24 h43.6 h144 h5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Snow melting conditions0.1 km0.464 km10 km0.5 h4.16 h288 h1 h5.2 h144 h5 classes3.7 classes2 classes
Snow water equivalent0.1 km0.464 km10 km24 h45.9 h168 h24 h43.6 h144 h5 mm7.9 mm20 mm
Soil moisture0.01 km0.292 km250 km1 d1.4 d3 d1 d5.2 d144 d10 g/kg17.1 g/kg50 g/kg
Vegetation type10 m46.4 m1000 m7 d26.2 d365 d1 d3.1 d30 d50 classes23.2 5 classes
Nowcasting
Aerosol profile - Total column5 km10.8 km50 km0.25 h0.909 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h10 %12.6 %20 %
Air temperature (at surface)5 km7.9 km20 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.25 h0.315 h0.5 h0.5 K0.63 K1 K
7
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Atmospheric stability index5 km10.8 km50 km0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h0.25 h0.397 h1 hMissing KMissing
Atmospheric temperature profile - Higher 5 km17.1 km200 km1 km1.4 km3 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h1 K1.3 K2 K
troposphere (HT)
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 5 km17.1 km200 km0.5 km0.63 km1 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
troposphere (LT)
Cloud cover1 km2.7 km20 km0.0083 h0.041 h1 h0.016 h0.05 h0.5 h5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Cloud imagery1 km1.7 km5 km0.05 h0.108 h0.5 h0.25 h0.397 h1 h
Cloud top height1 km2.2 km10 km0.01 h0.037 h0.5 h0.02 h0.058 h0.5 h0.1 km0.215 km1 km
Cloud top temperature1 km2.2 km10 km0.01 h0.037 h0.5 h0.02 h0.058 h0.5 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
Cloud type1 km2.2 km10 km0.01 h0.037 h0.5 h0.02 h0.058 h0.5 h10 classes7.9 classes5 classes
Fire area5 km18.4 km250 km0.25 d0.909 d12 d1 d1.6 d4 d5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Fire temperature5 km18.4 km250 km0.25 d0.909 d12 d1 d1.6 d4 d500 K630 K1000 K
Height of the top of the Planetary Boundary Layer5 km10.8 km50 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h50 m107.7 m500 m
Height of tropopause10 km27.1 km200 km0.5 h1.145 h6 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.1 km0.215 km1 km
Land surface temperature1 km3.7 km50 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h0.5 K0.909 K3 K
Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI)5 km6.3 km10 km1 d2.3 d12 d1 d1.7 d5 d5 % (Max)6.3 % 10 % (Max)
Ocean surface currents (vector)10 km17.1 km50 km0.25 d0.721 d6 d0.25 d0.63 d4 d0.5 cm/s0.63 cm/s1 cm/s
Precipitation rate (liquid) at the surface5 km10.8 km50 km0.08 h0.186 h1 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h0.1 mm/h0.215 1 mm/h
Precipitation rate (solid) at the surface5 km10.8 km50 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.5 h0.79 h2 h0.1 mm/h0.215 1 mm/h
Sea surface temperature5 km10.8 km50 km1 h1.8 h6 h1 h1.3 h2 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
Sea-ice cover5 km10.8 km50 km1 d2.9 d24 d1 d1.8 d6 d10 % (Max)12.6 % 20 % (Max)
Snow cover5 km10.8 km50 km1 h5.2 h144 h1 h1.8 h6 h10 % (Max)12.6 % 20 % (Max)
Soil moisture5 km10.8 km50 km0.5 d0.794 d2 d0.25 d0.397 d1 d10 g/kg17.1 g/kg50 g/kg
Specific humidity profile - Higher troposphere (HT)5 km17.1 km200 km1 km1.4 km3 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Specific humidity profile - Lower troposphere (LT)5 km17.1 km200 km0.5 km0.63 km1 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Specific humidity profile - Total column5 km10.8 km50 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h1 kg/m21.7 kg/m25 kg/m2
Temperature of tropopause10 km27.1 km200 km0.5 h1.145 h6 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Higher 5 km17.1 km200 km0.5 km0.63 km1 km0.25 h0.63 h4 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h1 m/s2 m/s8 m/s
troposphere (HT)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 5 km17.1 km200 km0.5 km0.63 km1 km0.25 h0.721 h6 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h1 m/s1.7 m/s5 m/s
stratosphere (LS)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 5 km17.1 km200 km0.5 km0.63 km1 km0.25 h0.721 h6 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h1 m/s1.7 m/s5 m/s
troposphere (LT)
8
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Wind profile (vertical component) - Lower 5 km17.1 km200 km0.5 km0.794 km2 km0.25 h0.397 h1 h0.08 h0.147 h0.5 h1 cm/s1.7 cm/s5 cm/s
troposphere (LT)
Wind speed over land surface (horizontal)5 km10.8 km50 km0.25 h0.572 h3 h0.25 h0.397 h1 h1 m/s1.7 m/s5 m/s
Wind speed over sea surface (horizontal)5 km10.8 km50 km0.25 h0.572 h3 h0.25 h0.397 h1 h1 m/s1.7 m/s5 m/s
Wind vector over land surface (horizontal)5 km10.8 km50 km0.25 h0.572 h3 h0.25 h0.397 h1 h1 m/s1.7 m/s5 m/s
Wind vector over sea surface (horizontal)5 km10.8 km50 km0.25 h0.572 h3 h0.25 h0.397 h1 h1 m/s1.7 m/s5 m/s
Regional NWP
Air pressure over land surface10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.79 h2 h0.5 hPa0.63 hPa1 hPa
Air pressure over sea surface10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 hPa0.63 hPa1 hPa
Air specific humidity (at surface)10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h5 %7.2 %15 %
Air temperature (at surface)10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
Atmospheric temperature profile - Higher 10 km36.8 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h0.5 K0.909 K3 K
troposphere (HT)
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 10 km36.8 km500 km1 km1.4 km3 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h0.5 K0.909 K3 K
stratosphere (LS)
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 10 km36.8 km500 km0.3 km0.646 km3 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h0.5 K0.909 K3 K
troposphere (LT)
Cloud base height10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.909 h3 h0.5 km0.63 km1 km
Cloud cover10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Cloud drop size (at cloud top)10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 µm0.794 µm2 µm
Cloud ice profile - Higher troposphere (HT)10 km29.2 km250 km1 km2.2 km10 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Cloud ice profile - Lower troposphere (LT)10 km29.2 km250 km0.3 km0.766 km5 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Cloud ice profile - Total column10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h10 g/m212.6 g/m220 g/m2
Cloud imagery1 km3.7 km50 km0.25 h0.721 h6 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h
Cloud top height10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 km0.63 km1 km
Cloud water profile (< 100 µm) - Higher troposphere 10 km29.2 km250 km1 km2.2 km10 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
(HT)
Cloud water profile (< 100 µm) - Lower troposphere 10 km29.2 km250 km0.3 km0.766 km5 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
(LT)
10
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Cloud water profile (< 100 µm) - Total column10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h10 kg/m217.1 kg/m250 kg/m2
Cloud water profile (> 100 µm) - Higher troposphere 10 km29.2 km250 km1 km2.2 km10 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
(HT)
Cloud water profile (> 100 µm) - Lower troposphere 10 km29.2 km250 km0.3 km0.766 km5 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
(LT)
Cloud water profile (> 100 µm) - Total column10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h4 h10 kg/m217.1 kg/m250 kg/m2
Dominant wave direction10 km17.1 km50 km1 h2.3 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h10 degrees12.6 20 degrees
Dominant wave period10 km17.1 km50 km1 h2.3 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 s0.63 s1 s
Land surface temperature10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 K1 K4 K
Leaf Area Index (LAI)10 km17.1 km50 km7 d11.4 d30 d1 d1.9 d7 d5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Long-wave Earth surface emissivity5 km18.4 km250 km24 h74.6 h720 h24 h74.6 h720 h1 % (Max)1.7 % 5 % (Max)
Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI)10 km17.1 km50 km7 d11.4 d30 d1 d1.9 d7 d1 % (Max)1.7 % 5 % (Max)
Outgoing long-wave radiation at TOA10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h0.63 h1 h240 h346.1 h720 h5 W/m26.3 W/m210 W/m2
Outgoing short-wave radiation at TOA10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h0.63 h1 h240 h274.7 h360 h5 W/m26.3 W/m210 W/m2
Ozone profile - Higher troposphere (HT)10 km27.1 km200 km1 km2.2 km10 km0.5 h0.909 h3 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Ozone profile - Lower stratosphere (LS)10 km27.1 km200 km1 km2.2 km10 km0.5 h0.909 h3 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Ozone profile - Lower troposphere (LT)10 km27.1 km200 km1 km1.7 km5 km0.5 h0.909 h3 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Ozone profile - Total column10 km21.5 km100 km0.5 h1.145 h6 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 DU7.9 DU20 DU
Precipitation index (daily cumulative)10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h24 h74.6 h720 h0.5 mm/d1.077 5 mm/d
Precipitation rate (liquid) at the surface10 km17.1 km50 km0.5 h1.145 h6 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.1 mm/h0.215 1 mm/h
Precipitation rate (solid) at the surface10 km21.5 km100 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.1 mm/h0.215 1 mm/h
Sea surface temperature25 km31.5 km50 km1 h2.3 h12 h1 h2.9 h24 h0.5 K0.63 K1 K
Sea-ice cover25 km31.5 km50 km0.5 d1.205 d7 d0.3 d0.646 d3 d5 % (Max)10.8 % 50 % (Max)
Sea-ice surface temperature5 km13.6 km100 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 K1 K4 K
Sea-ice thickness5 km18.4 km250 km1 d1.9 d7 d1 d1.9 d7 d50 cm63 cm100 cm
Significant wave height10 km17.1 km50 km1 h2.3 h12 h1 h1.3 h2 h0.1 m0.126 m0.2 m
Snow cover5 km18.4 km250 km12 h28.9 h168 h6 h9.5 h24 h10 % (Max)17.1 % 50 % (Max)
Snow water equivalent5 km18.4 km250 km6 h21.8 h288 h6 h9.5 h24 h5 mm7.9 mm20 mm
Soil moisture5 km18.4 km250 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d10 d30 d10 g/kg17.1 g/kg50 g/kg
Specific humidity profile - Higher troposphere (HT)10 km21.5 km100 km1 km1.4 km3 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Specific humidity profile - Lower troposphere (LT)10 km21.5 km100 km0.4 km0.684 km2 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Specific humidity profile - Total column10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h1 kg/m21.7 kg/m25 kg/m2
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Higher 10 km36.8 km500 km1 km2.2 km10 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h1 m/s2 m/s8 m/s
troposphere (HT)
11
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 10 km36.8 km500 km1 km2.2 km10 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h1 m/s1.7 m/s5 m/s
stratosphere (LS)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 10 km36.8 km500 km0.4 km0.928 km5 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h1 m/s1.7 m/s5 m/s
troposphere (LT)
Wind profile (vertical component) - Higher 10 km36.8 km500 km0.5 km1.357 km10 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h1 cm/s1.7 cm/s5 cm/s
troposphere (HT)
Wind profile (vertical component) - Lower 10 km36.8 km500 km0.5 km1.357 km10 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h1 cm/s1.7 cm/s5 cm/s
stratosphere (LS)
Wind profile (vertical component) - Lower 10 km36.8 km500 km0.5 km1.077 km5 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.25 h0.5 h2 h1 cm/s1.7 cm/s5 cm/s
troposphere (LT)
Wind speed over land surface (horizontal)10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 m/s0.909 m/s3 m/s
Wind speed over sea surface (horizontal)10 km21.5 km100 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 m/s0.909 m/s3 m/s
Wind vector over land surface (horizontal)10 km29.2 km250 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 m/s1.077 m/s5 m/s
Wind vector over sea surface (horizontal)10 km21.5 km100 km0.5 h1.442 h12 h0.5 h0.794 h2 h0.5 m/s1.077 m/s5 m/s
S & I A
Fractional Photosynthetically Active Radiation 50 km107.7 km500 km7 d11.4 d30 d1 d3.1 d30 d5 % (Max)6.3 % 10 % (Max)
(fAPAR)
Geoid100 km171 km500 km240 mo274.7 360 mo12 y15.1 y24 y1 cm1.7 cm5 cm
Ocean chlorophyll25 km39.7 km100 km1 d1.4 d3 d1 d1.4 d3 d5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Ocean dynamic topography25 km39.7 km100 km7 d11.4 d30 d2 d3.9 d15 d1 cm1.6 cm4 cm
Ocean surface salinity100 km135.7 km250 km30 d37.8 d60 d9 d21.3 d120 d0.1 psu0.144 psu0.3 psu
Ocean suspended sediment concentration100 km171 km500 km1 d1.8 d6 d30 d43.3 d90 d5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Ocean yellow substance absorbance100 km171 km500 km1 d1.8 d6 d30 d43.3 d90 d5 % (Max)7.9 % 20 % (Max)
Sea surface temperature50 km85.5 km250 km3 h4.8 h12 h3 h6 h24 h0.1 K0.171 K0.5 K
Snow water equivalent50 km107.7 km500 km24 h45.9 h168 h24 h45.9 h168 h5 mm7.9 mm20 mm
Soil moisture50 km107.7 km500 km1 d1.9 d7 d1 d1.9 d7 d10 g/kg17.1 g/kg50 g/kg
Vegetation type50000 107721.5000007 d11.4 d30 d1 d1.9 d7 d18 classes14.3 9 classes
Synoptic Meteorology
Air temperature (at surface)10 km21.5 km100 km1 h2.3 h12 h1 h1.6 h4 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
Atmospheric stability index20 km43.1 km200 km1 h1.8 h6 h1 h1.4 h3 hMissing KMissing
Atmospheric temperature profile - Higher 20 km43.1 km200 km0.1 km0.271 km2 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h0.5 K0.909 K3 K
troposphere (HT)
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 20 km43.1 km200 km0.1 km0.271 km2 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h0.5 K0.909 K3 K
stratosphere (LS)
12
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 20 km43.1 km200 km0.1 km0.271 km2 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h0.5 K0.909 K3 K
troposphere (LT)
Cloud imagery1 km2.2 km10 km0.25 h0.721 h6 h0.25 h0.721 h6 h
Cloud top height1 km2.2 km10 km0.25 h0.721 h6 h0.25 h0.721 h6 h0.5 km0.794 km2 km
Cloud type20 km43.1 km200 km0.25 h0.721 h6 h0.25 h0.721 h6 h10 classes7.9 classes5 classes
Dominant wave direction50 km79.4 km200 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h20 degrees22.9 30 degrees
Dominant wave period50 km79.4 km200 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h0.5 s0.63 s1 s
Ozone profile - Total column20 km27.1 km50 km0.25 h0.909 h12 h0.25 h0.721 h6 h5 DU7.9 DU20 DU
Precipitation rate (liquid) at the surface20 km34.2 km100 km1 h1.8 h6 h0.25 h0.721 h6 h0.1 mm/h0.215 1 mm/h
Precipitation rate (solid) at the surface20 km34.2 km100 km3 h3.8 h6 h0.25 h0.721 h6 h0.1 mm/h0.215 1 mm/h
Sea surface temperature5 km10.8 km50 km3 h6 h24 h1 h2.9 h24 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
Specific humidity profile - Higher troposphere (HT)20 km43.1 km200 km0.1 km0.271 km2 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Specific humidity profile - Lower troposphere (LT)20 km43.1 km200 km0.1 km0.271 km2 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Higher 20 km43.1 km200 km0.1 km0.271 km2 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s3.2 m/s8 m/s
troposphere (HT)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 20 km43.1 km200 km0.1 km0.271 km2 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s2.7 m/s5 m/s
stratosphere (LS)
Wind profile (horizontal component) - Lower 20 km43.1 km200 km0.1 km0.271 km2 km3 h4.8 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s2.7 m/s5 m/s
troposphere (LT)
Wind speed over land surface (horizontal)20 km43.1 km200 km1 h2.3 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s2.7 m/s5 m/s
Wind speed over sea surface (horizontal)20 km43.1 km200 km1 h2.3 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s2.7 m/s5 m/s
Wind vector over land surface (horizontal)20 km43.1 km200 km1 h2.3 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s2.7 m/s5 m/s
Wind vector over sea surface (horizontal)20 km43.1 km200 km1 h2.3 h12 h1 h1.4 h3 h2 m/s2.7 m/s5 m/s
13
CBS/OPAG-IOS/ET-EGOS-3/Doc. 6.1, APPENDIX B, p. 1
GCOS rqmts Max/Min
29-Jun-07
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
AOPC
Aerosol absorption optical depth (VIS) - Higher 1 km2.2 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.004 1/km0.007 1/km0.02 1/km
Stratosphere & Mesosphere column
Aerosol absorption optical depth (VIS) - Higher 1 km2.2 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.004 1/km0.007 1/km0.02 1/km
Troposphere column
Aerosol absorption optical depth (VIS) - Lower 1 km2.2 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.004 1/km0.007 1/km0.02 1/km
Stratosphere column
Aerosol absorption optical depth (VIS) - Lower 1 km2.2 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.004 1/km0.007 1/km0.02 1/km
Troposphere column
Aerosol extinction coefficient (VIS) - Higher 10 km21.5 km100 km0.5 km0.63 km1 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.01 1/km0.013 1/km0.02 1/km
stratosphere & mesosphere (HS & M)
Aerosol extinction coefficient (VIS) - Higher 10 km21.5 km100 km0.5 km0.63 km1 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.01 1/km0.013 1/km0.02 1/km
troposphere (HT)
Aerosol extinction coefficient (VIS) - Lower 10 km21.5 km100 km0.5 km0.63 km1 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.01 1/km0.013 1/km0.02 1/km
stratosphere (LS)
Aerosol extinction coefficient (VIS) - Lower 10 km21.5 km100 km0.5 km0.63 km1 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.01 1/km0.013 1/km0.02 1/km
troposphere (LT)
Aerosol optical depth (VIS+IR) - Higher 1 km2.2 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.01 1/km0.013 1/km0.02 1/km
Stratosphere & Mesosphere column
Aerosol optical depth (VIS+IR) - Higher 1 km2.2 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.01 1/km0.013 1/km0.02 1/km
Troposphere column
Aerosol optical depth (VIS+IR) - Lower 1 km2.2 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.01 1/km0.013 1/km0.02 1/km
Stratosphere column
Aerosol optical depth (VIS+IR) - Lower 1 km2.2 km10 km1 d1.9 d7 d7 d14.3 d60 d0.01 1/km0.013 1/km0.02 1/km
Troposphere column
Air pressure over land surface200 km271.4 km500 km3 h6 h24 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.5 hPa0.63 hPa1 hPa
Air pressure over sea surface200 km271.4 km500 km3 h6 h24 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.5 hPa0.63 hPa1 hPa
Air specific humidity (at surface)25 km39.7 km100 km3 h3.8 h6 h24 h34.6 h72 h1 %1.3 %2 %
Air temperature (at surface)25 km39.7 km100 km3 h4.8 h12 h24 h30.2 h48 h0.1 K0.144 K0.3 K
Atmospheric temperature profile - Higher 100 km171 km500 km2 km2.3 km3 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.5 K0.909 K3 K
stratosphere & mesosphere (HS & M)
1
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Atmospheric temperature profile - Higher 100 km171 km500 km0.1 km0.171 km0.5 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
troposphere (HT)
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 100 km171 km500 km2 km2.3 km3 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
stratosphere (LS)
Atmospheric temperature profile - Lower 100 km171 km500 km0.1 km0.171 km0.5 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.5 K0.794 K2 K
troposphere (LT)
Cloud cover100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h10 % (Max)12.6 % 20 % (Max)
Cloud ice profile - Total column100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h10 g/m212.6 g/m220 g/m2
Cloud top height100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.5 km0.794 km2 km
Cloud top temperature100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.3 K0.378 K0.6 K
Cloud water profile (< 100 µm) - Total column100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h10 kg/m217.1 kg/m250 kg/m2
Cloud water profile (> 100 µm) - Total column100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h5 kg/m27.9 kg/m220 kg/m2
Downwelling long-wave radiation at the Earth 25 km39.7 km100 km3 h3.8 h6 h24 h41 h120 h5 W/m26.3 W/m210 W/m2
Downwelling short-wave radiation at the Earth 25 km39.7 km100 km24 h41 h120 h24 h74.6 h720 h5 W/m26.3 W/m210 W/m2
Downwelling solar radiation at TOA100 km171 km500 km3 d3.8 d6 d3 d6 d24 d1 W/m21.3 W/m22 W/m2
Land surface temperature1 km7.9 km500 km24 h34.6 h72 h3 h3.8 h6 h1 K1.3 K2 K
Outgoing long-wave Earth surface25 km39.7 km100 km3 h3.8 h6 h24 h41 h120 h5 W/m26.3 W/m210 W/m2
Outgoing long-wave radiation at TOA100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h6 h24 h5 W/m26.3 W/m210 W/m2
Outgoing short-wave radiation at TOA100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h6 h24 h5 W/m26.3 W/m210 W/m2
Ozone profile - Higher stratosphere & mesosphere 50 km107.7 km500 km0.5 km0.909 km3 km3 h7.6 h48 h720 h1328.2 4520 h5 %7.9 % 20 %
(HS & M)
Ozone profile - Higher troposphere (HT)5 km13.6 km100 km0.5 km0.794 km2 km3 h8.7 h72 h720 h1328.2 4520 h10 %14.4 %30 %
Ozone profile - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km63 km100 km0.5 km0.909 km3 km3 h8.7 h72 h720 h1328.2 4520 h5 %7.9 %20 %
Ozone profile - Lower troposphere (LT)5 km10.8 km50 km0.5 km0.794 km2 km3 h8.7 h72 h720 h1328.2 4520 h10 %12.6 %20 %
Ozone profile - Total column5 km10.8 km50 km3 h8.7 h72 h720 h1328.2 4520 h5 DU7.2 DU15 DU
Ozone profile - Troposphere column5 km10.8 km50 km3 h8.7 h72 h720 h1328.2 4520 h5 DU7.2 DU15 DU
Precipitation index (daily cumulative)100 km171 km500 km12 h15.1 h24 h24 h54.9 h288 h1 mm/d1.3 mm/d2 mm/d
Precipitation rate (liquid) at the surface100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.1 mm/h0.271 2 mm/h
Precipitation rate (solid) at the surface100 km171 km500 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.1 mm/h0.271 2 mm/h
Sea surface temperature10 km36.8 km500 km3 h6 h24 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.25 K0.397 K1 K
Short-wave Earth surface bi-directional reflectance25 km39.7 km100 km3 h3.8 h6 h24 h41 h120 h5 % (Max)6.3 % 10 % (Max)
Significant wave height25 km53.9 km250 km3 h3.8 h6 h3 h4.8 h12 h0.1 m0.271 m2 m
Snow cover100 km171 km500 km24 h45.9 h168 h6 h9.5 h24 h10 % (Max)12.6 % 20 % (Max)
Snow water equivalent100 km171 km500 km24 h45.9 h168 h6 h9.5 h24 h5 mm6.3 mm10 mm
2
Application
RequirementHor Vert Obs Delay Accuracy
ResMinResMinCycleMinavailMinMin
Specific humidity profile - Higher stratosphere & 50 km79.4 km200 km2 km2.7 km5 km3 h3.8 h6 h168 h343.8 h1440 h2 %4.3 %20 %
mesosphere (HS & M)
Specific humidity profile - Higher troposphere (HT)20 km34.2 km100 km0.1 km0.271 km2 km3 h3.8 h6 h168 h343.8 h1440 h2 %4.3 %20 %
Specific humidity profile - Lower stratosphere (LS)50 km79.4 km200 km2 km2.3 km3 km3 h3.8 h6 h168 h343.8 h1440 h2 %4.3 %20 %
Specific humidity profile - Lower troposphere (LT)10 km13.6 km25 km0.1 km0.215 km1 km3 h3.8 h6 h168 h343.8 h1440 h2 %3.9 %15 %
Specific humidity profile - Total column50 km79.4 km200 km3 h3.8 h6 h168 h343.8 h1440 h1 kg/m21.4 kg/m23 kg/m2
Specific humidity profile - Troposphere column10 km27.1 km200 km3 h3.8 h6 h168 h343.8 h1440 h1 kg/m21.4 kg/m23 kg/m2
Trace gas profile CH4 - Higher stratosphere & 50 km85.5 km250 km2 km2.5 km4 km3 h3.8 h6 h720 h1308.3 4320 h2 %3.4 %10 %