Major components

GCOS builds, to the extent possible, on existing observing, data management and information distribution systems, both operational and research, and on further enhancements of these systems. These include the

WMO Global Observing System (GOS) for atmospheric physical and dynamical properties
WMO Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) for atmospheric constituent and chemical properties
The climate module of the IOC/WMO/ICSU/UNEP Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) for physical, chemical and biological properties
The FAO/ICSU/UNEP/WMO Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) for land surface ecosystem, hydrosphere, and cryosphere measurements
WCRP GEWEX Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) for surface radiation budget measurements,
International Geosphere-Biosphere Project (IGBP) and World Climate Research Project (WCRP) research networks, for monitoring of terrestrial ecosystems, clouds and the hydrological cycle, the earth's radiation budget, ice sheets and precipitation over the oceans
Data communication and other infrastructures necessary to support operational climate forecasting, including the World Climate Data and Monitoring Programme (WCDMP) and the Climate Information and Prediction Services (CLIPS)

Last modified on Mon, 28 Jan 2013