CIMO Working Structure

ToR - Management Group and Coordinators

ToR - OPAGs

Membership - CIMO Working Structure

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
ToR  3, 2, 6, 10

1.  Monitor and report on progress in development and performance of new surface observation technologies and measurement techniques, for example ultrasonic wind sensors and optical precipitation gauges;

2.  In collaboration with the other technical commissions identify siting, performance, classifications and metadata standards for systems and individual sensors used for Synoptic and mesoscale meteorology, Climate, Marine, Agrometeorology, Hydrology, Urban and Roadway purposes.  Identify standards for inclusion in the CIMO Guide;

3.  Recommend standard observing methods for the automatic measurement of present weather, clouds, the state of the ground and weather phenomena.  Advise on optimizing manual and automated methods for reporting present weather, clouds, the state of the ground and weather phenomena.  Consult with the HMEI as appropriate;

4.  Develop standards for the interoperability of instruments hardware and software to allow easy exchange by users.  Consult with the HMEI as appropriate;

5.  Evaluate the performance of AWOSs in tropical, arctic, mountainous and desert regions and consult manufacturers on relevant findings to propose improved designs.  Advise Members on use of AWOS in extreme climatological conditions;

6.  Monitor and review the available algorithms used in AWSs and advise on their possible standardization;

7.  Support to DPM in identifying how surface-based technologies can support monitoring of natural hazards, such as high wind speeds and extreme precipitation rates;

8.  In view of the increased impact of extreme weather events, encourage the instrument manufacturers and others to: Develop more robust instruments with greater resilience to extreme weather conditions and combinations of weather conditions; Develop instruments with increased measuring range;

9.  Taking into account the environmental concerns of Members using mercury-based instruments investigate alternative solutions and advise Members;

10.  Develop guidelines and procedures for the transition from manual to automatic weather stations, including assessment of data homogeneity, and recommend them for inclusion in the CIMO Guide;

11.  In cooperation with the HMEI, encourage manufacturers to develop lower power instruments so power sources such as solar and wind can be used more frequently;

12.  Respond to requests from relevant CBS ETs to review and report on evaluation calibration requirements for satellite remote sensing of surface variables in line with the development in the WMO Integrated GOS;

Update the relevant parts of the CIMO Guide in collaboration with the Rapporteur on the CIMO Guide.

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
TOR  4, 10d, 7

2.  Prepare and prioritize proposals for instrument intercomparisons according to the CIMO Provisional Programme of WMO Surface-based Instrument Intercomparisons (2006-2010) and available funds, in particular taking into account ET suggestions and requests from Technical Commissions, GCOS, etc;

3.  Prepare an implementation plan for each approved intercomparison proposal, taking into account suggestions from HMEI if required;

4.  Coordinate activities related to the organization and conduct of WMO Surface-Based Instrument Intercomparisons according to the CIMO Provisional Programme of WMO Surface-based Instrument Intercomparisons (2006-2010).  The emphasis should be placed on the ongoing intercomparisons, namely: the WMO Field Intercomparison of Rainfall Intensity Gauges (Vigna di Valle, Italy, 2007-2008) and the WMO Combined Intercomparison of Thermometer Screens/Shields in Conjunction with Humidity Measurements (Ghardaïa, Algeria, 2007-2008), the latter followed by a similar intercomparison in an arctic environment at Iqaluat, Baffin Island, Canada;

5.  Take responsibility for overseeing the evaluation of the intercomparison results;

6.  To organize and participate in peer reviews of the intercomparison results before publication;

7.  According to intercomparison results, update the recommended standard calibration procedures, including traceability, especially for new measured variables;

8.  Take responsibility for producing targeted documents and recommendations for the user communities;

9.  Provide technical and scientific advice on surface-based measurements to Members, as requested through the WMO Secretariat;

10.  Prioritize and prepare proposals as required from Members suggestions:

       10.a)  Updated Present Weather instrument intercomparison demonstrating use in tropical environment;

       10.b)  Deployments of laser ceilometers for integration and use for pilot projects and test-bed studies for future operational upper-air networks (in collaboration with the ET-RSUT&T);

       10.c)  Develop methodologies for assessment of the dynamic and static uncertainty characteristics of sea-level sensors. A small sample of sensors will be used to develop the techniques and form preliminary intercomparison results.  These will be used to plan and guide a larger scale intercomparison of a wide variety of sensing technologies.  The needs of other sea-level users will be included;

       10.d)  In consultation with CCl, Antarctic WG, WCRP-CLiC, WCP, CHy, CAgM, CBS and GCOS, assess the methods of measurement and observation of solid precipitation, snowfall and snow depth at automatic unattended stations used in cold climates (polar and alpine).  This includes:

• Documenting the needs of WMO Technical Commissions and Programmes;

• Compiling, updating and if required, ensuring compatibility of measurement standards and requirements of WMO Technical Commissions for cold climate precipitation measurement;

• Updating and making accessible all metadata related to precipitation measurement instrumentation at all NMHS AWS operated in cold climate regions, and especially for those countries participating in IPY (A recent WCRP/CLiC survey of their in-situ measurements would provide a guide for information required.);

• Preparing national summaries of the methods, issues and challenges of automated solid precipitation measurement in cold climate countries;

• Assessing the need for an intercomparison of methods and equipment for automated snowfall/snow depth/precipitation measurements in cold climate regions, on both global and regional basis, and develop an intercomparison plan) during the IPY period.

      10.e)  Intercomparisons of hydrological gauges to cover both normal conditions and extreme events;

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
ToR  2, 3, 1, 10

2.  Initiate and coordinate pre-, and post-comparison activities of RPCs, 2006-2010, either in conjunction with IPC-XI or at RPCs concerned;

3.  Coordinate the dissemination of World Radiometric Reference (WRR) factors to regional and national radiation standards;

4.  Liaise with the World Climate Research Programme on matters related to Baseline Surface Radiation Network and inform Members of developments;

5.  Liaise with the three CAS SAGs for Ozone, UV and Aerosol and report, as necessary, on the operational practice for measurements of Ozone, UV, Aerosol Optical Depths, and other issues as agreed;

6.  Update the relevant parts of the CIMO Guide in collaboration with the Rapporteur on the CIMO Guide;

7.  Provide technical and scientific guidance to the WRC Davos for the further development of the World Infrared Standard Group (WISG) of radiometers to ensure the ongoing traceability of atmospheric radiation measurements and coordinate the dissemination of pyrgeometer calibration coefficients;

8.  Evaluate the process of the WISG transfer to network measurement of infrared irradiance and if necessary, refine the recommendations on infrared calibration procedures;

9.  Respond to instrument and measurement problems reported by WRDC St. Petersburg, Russian Federation;

10.  Initiate activities so that radiation measurements in all national radiation networks are of a high quality;

11.  Liaise with BIPM and report on the status of the traceability of radiation measurements to SI;

12.  Provide technical and scientific advice on surface-based measurements to Members, as requested through the WMO Secretariat by the production of supplementary targeted documents and recommendations for the user community who have requested intercomparisons;

13.  Respond to requests from relevant CBS ETs to review and report on evaluation calibration requirements for satellite remote sensing of surface radiation and atmospheric composition variables in line with the development in the WMO Integrated GOS.

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
ToR  2, 6, 5

2.  Investigate options for reducing cost of operational upper-air observations including: cost of radiosonde consumables; the use of interoperable radiosonde systems to improve competitive procurement, reduced use of radiosondes by introduction of other types of upper-air observing systems or adaptive strategies.  Promote further the studies on the practical issues of interoperable upper-air systems, evaluate performance of the existing systems and advise Members on appropriate solutions for their requirements;

3.  Complete a review of best practices used in the quality management of upper-air networks from which a methodology for affecting better performance can be derived, update relevant CIMO Guide chapters, in collaboration with the Rapporteur, and ensure experiences are shared amongst Members;

4.  Address the issue related to the operational safety of hydrogen generators used at the upper-air stations and assist R-TA&TM in developing hydrogen safe practice in the future upper-air training workshops.  Review alternative sources of lifting gas including natural gas and helium and make recommendations to Members;

5.  Review current approved BUFR templates for detailed radiosonde profile reporting and recommend additions to enable a wider range of user requirements to be met, including high resolution 4D reporting, additional metadata and measured parameters only;

6.  Undertake all radiofrequency protection activities for all operational upper-air observing systems, including radiosondes, weather radars, wind profilers, microwave radiometers, etc.  Liaise with the CBS Steering Group on Radiofrequency Allocation by developing and maintaining a strategy for protecting currently allocated frequencies, in collaboration with members of ET-RSUT&T;

7.  Improve the global operational Upper-Air Network, in working with the CBS OPAG-IOS, GCOS and RAs, to identify key areas, such as the tropics, for action;

8.  Provide required technical guidance to GCOS, CCl and CBS to enable them to establish the GCOS Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN);

9.  Provide technical review of evolving AMDAR humidity capabilities as requested by CBS OPAG IOS ET EGOS.  Liaise with ET-UASI in developing suitable guidelines for Members following intercomparisons;

10.  Liaise with HMEI in recommending solutions for outstanding systematic technical problems with upper air instrumentation.  

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
ToR  4, 2, 8

2.  Prepare and prioritize proposals for instrument intercomparisons according to the CIMO Provisional Programme of WMO Upper-Air Instrument Intercomparisons (2006-2010) and available funds, in particular taking into account ET suggestions and requests from Technical Commissions, GCOS, etc;

3.  Prepare an implementation plan for each approved intercomparison proposal;

4.  Coordinate activities related to the organization and conduct of WMO intercomparisons of in-situ and remote sensing upper-air systems according to the CIMO Plan.  This will involve liaison with HMEI.  It will also recommend the number of experts supported by WMO necessary to implement the test;

5.  Take responsibility for overseeing the evaluation of the intercomparison test results;

6.  To organize and participate in peer reviews of the intercomparison results before publication;

7.  Take responsibility for producing targeted documents and recommendations for the user communities who have requested the intercomparison, including representatives of HMEI, operational network managers, GCOS and GEOSS managers;

8.  Provide technical and scientific advice on upper-air measurements to Members, as requested through the WMO Secretariat;

9.  Submit meta data records and intercomparisons for radiosonde observations to International Data Centers;

10.  Liaise with HMEI in improving consistency of the humidity measurements between day and night.

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
ToR  2, 13, 1

2.  Review current Wind Profiler Network operational activities, identifying strengths, weaknesses and operational costs. Identify best practices including siting and calibration and quality control, noting the need for close collaboration with users, such as the data assimilation community.  Provide improved guidance material for the Members;

3.  Work with ET-UASI to design and conduct an intercomparison to evaluate Profiler wind quality;

4.  Monitor implementation of Microwave Radiometers as operational systems and report on progress, specifically quality of temperature measurements in the planetary boundary layer;

5.  Monitor implementation of GPS Water Vapour Networks as operational systems and report on progress. Evaluate quality of data in suitable intercomparison including radiosonde and microwave radiometer. Develop operational guidelines and recommend suitable operational data exchange protocols;

6.  Evaluate and report on the potential of the Raman water vapour lidar as an operational upper-air observing system for the troposphere;

7.  Facilitate activities associated with improving the quality of weather radar operations, including signal and data processing, by initiating a series of intercomparison workshops exercising radar algorithms on common data sets;

8.  Establish a Web based up-to-date fully comprehensive database of the global use of weather radar;

9.  Provide guidance on weather radar siting and operation with respect to wind turbines and sources of radiofrequency interference;

10.  Review current weather radar network data exchange methods and make recommendations on the preferred method to be adopted by WMO for international exchange, noting OPERA’s BUFR implementation and its limitations;

11.  Respond to requests from relevant CBS ETs to review and report on evaluation calibration requirements for satellite remote sensing methods in line with the development in the WMO Integrated GOS;

12.  Review current operational lightning detection networks, and report on strengths and weaknesses, including coverage, accuracy, reliability and cost effectiveness. Undertake Moroccan intercomparison of existing systems and make recommendations for enlargement of the networks to poorly covered areas, such as Africa;

13.  Working with ET-UASI initiate a series of pilot projects and testbed studies to establish the principles for the optimal mix of sensing systems to improve both temporal and spatial capabilities for future operational upper air networks, noting the need for close collaboration with users, specifically the data assimilation and NWP communities;

14.  Review and update existing training material and support OPAG-CB in the production of suitable training workshops, reference material and guidelines for all operational aspects of remote sensing systems.

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
ToR  11, 1, 6

2.  Develop criteria for regular evaluation and establish metrics for assessing RIC performance;

3.  Recommend instruments for use by RICs for calibration of meteorological and related environmental instruments;

4.  Engage manufacturers in developing RIC technical procedures for instrument calibration and instrument maintenance;

5.  Collaborate with the RICs in defining RIC functional capabilities;

6.  Strengthen the Quality Assurance of the RICs/RRCs as a crosscutting issue involving the regional and technical cooperation activities as well as GCOS;

7.  Identify the need for regional workshops on metrology;

8.  Develop a methodology for conducting intercomparisons between legacy and next generation calibration instruments as well as between different calibration tools;

9.  Encourage RICs to organize and/or participate in the inter-laboratory comparisons at appropriate time intervals;

10.  In collaboration with RAs, establish RIC selection criteria, qualification and evaluation procedures, including procedures for rectification of problems when necessary;

11.  Improve procedures for quality management of observations, instrument maintenance, calibration and operational practices;

12.  Monitor the capabilities and functions of the RICs through yearly reports and 5-year evaluation of the RICs and inform relevant Members and presidents of RAs;

13.  Promote further the partnership between RICs of developing and developed countries and to encourage Members to use the system of internship in RICs in the various WMO Regions;

14.  Recommend the optimum network of suitable RICs for calibration in Regions, taking account of current and future capabilities; 

15.  Review and provide guidance to develop the IMOP capacities of developing countries, in particular the development and fabrication of instruments;

16.  Coordinate with the CMA preparation of future versions of the World Meteorological Instrument Catalogue. Investigate the possibility for collaboration with the Hydro-Meteorological Equipment Industry Association.

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
none

2.  Assist in implementation of CIMO training and capacity building events, such as training workshops on upper-air measurements (depending on the available resources and concentrating on Regions where training has not yet been held), technical conferences such as TECO and METEOREX;

3.  Cooperate in the organization of instrument related workshops and seminars co-sponsored by WMO, such as the International Conference on Experiences with AWS (ICEAWS);

4.  Cooperate with the RMTCs/RICs/RRCs in promoting training courses related to instruments and methods of observation, with a special emphasis on automated observing systems, radar systems, instrument maintenance and calibration;

5.  Arrange for the publication of training material, used in the above training, under IOM Report series;

6.  In collaboration with other ETs, develop computer-aided learning strategy and explore a possibility to establish a Virtual Training Laboratory in one of the RICs and RRCs;

7.  Develop further the training components within the CIMO/IMOP Web Portal, with inputs from HMEI as appropriate;

8.  Cooperate with manufacturers, RICs and RRCs in promoting attachments / on-the-job training of instrument specialist from developing countries;

9.  Develop training material for technicians on the maintenance and use of various individual instruments, for instance, Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOSs), meteorological radars and algorithms for use by AWOS. Request input from instrument manufacturers as appropriate.

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
none

     1.a)  Collect proposals from user community for updates and revisions;

     1.b)  Identify areas to be updated, revised or completely rewritten and advise the CIMO-MG;

     1.c)  Identify experts for updating/revision of the relevant parts of the Guide and advise the CIMO-MG;

     1.d)  Coordinate the work of experts on revisions to the Guide;

     1.e)  Arrange for approval of the updated/revised parts of the Guide according to a procedure approved by the CIMO-MG;

     1.f)  Provide updates/revisions in a form of track changes for consideration by the CIMO-MG and approval by the president of CIMO or a CIMO session;

     1.g)  Provide regular reports to the CIMO-MG and Secretariat;

2.  In collaboration with CIMO OPAGs, ETs and HMEI develop further the CIMO/IMOP Web Portal on Development, Maintenance and Operation of Instruments, Observing Methods and Automatic Weather Stations.  Provide regular information to Members.

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
none

1.  Liaise with the Regions (regional rapporteurs, regional centres) in assisting CIMO expert teams in implementing of instrument and methods of observations in the Regions.

Ranking of Priority Tasks:
none

2.  In collaboration with relevant CIMO and CCl OPAGs, encourage conducting of studies and draft relevant proposals for observing practices for climate monitoring;

3.  In coordination with the Rapporteur on CIMO Guide include updated/new practices in the revised versions of the Guide;

4.  Provide guidance on the selection and use of instruments in harsh climatological conditions and remote locations.