1. Earth Observations to Benefit Societies A Briefing on the Activities of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Timothy Stryker U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior NASA Sensor Web PI Meeting Orlando, Florida April 2, 2008

2. CEOS Background Established in 1984 from the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations –Recognized value of cross-disciplinary efforts –Need to coordinate Earth observation satellite missions Partners with other international organizations, systems, and coordination groups –World Meteorological Organization –Global Climate, Oceanic, and Terrestrial Observing Systems –Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites Operates through best efforts of Members and Associates via voluntary contributions Space segment provider for the Group on Earth Observations (GEO)

3. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Actions from COP - 10, 11, 12, and 13 “Satellite Observation of the Climate System: The CEOS Response to the GCOS Implementation Plan” Response covers atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial domains, as well as cross-cutting issues 59 actions identify additional resources needed to fill gaps Calls for a major, sustained satellite component

4. GCOS 26 Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) A.Atmosphere A.1Surface Wind Speed and Direction A.2Upper-Air Temperature A.3Water Vapour A.4Cloud properties A.5Precipitation A.6Earth Radiation Budget A.7Ozone A.8Atmospheric Reanalysis (multiple ECVs) A.9Aerosols A.10Carbon Dioxide, Methane and other Greenhouse Gases A.11Upper-Air Wind O.Oceans O.1Sea Ice O.2Sea Level O.3Sea Surface Temperature O.4Ocean Colour O.5Sea State O.6Ocean Reanalysis O.7Ocean Salinity T.Terrestrial T.1Lakes T.2Glaciers and Ice Caps, and Ice Sheets T.3Snow Cover T.4Albedo T.5Land Cover T.6fAPAR T.7LAI T.8Biomass T.9Fire Disturbance T.10Soil moisture

5. Connecting Satellite Observation Systems to GEOSS Integrate observing systems, nationally and internationally, to benefit from the increased number and distribution of observations of any given event Identify measures to minimize data gaps – to move toward a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained Global Earth Observation “System of Systems”

6. CEOS Space Segment Support to GEO Implementation Plan for Space-Based Observations for GEOSS CEOS-GEO Actions Table Virtual Constellations Initiative Dedicated Staff Support –CEOS Executive Officer –GEO SBA Coordinators –Working Group Chairs

7. CEOS Virtual Constellations Initiative Contribution to GEO observational requirements Synergies among national and regional satellite programs –Atmospheric Composition –Ocean Surface Topography –Precipitation –Land Surface Imaging Common guidelines Optimal end-to-end capabilities Coordinated user requirements for future systems

8. Measurements Mission Science Information Decision Makers Societal Need Needs and Requirements Societal Benefit Improved Indexes and Forecast Products Results and Products Constellation provides improved continuity and coverage individual missions provide limited continuity and coverage Improved knowledge and models Improved technology Volcanic Eruption Ash Disaster Warning System CEOS Virtual Constellations Decision-Making Support Process

9. Atmospheric Composition Monitor severe environmental phenomena worldwide Support public warnings and increase effectiveness of emergency responders Gauge effectiveness of environmental treaties April 15, 2004 NO 2 Concentrations (Vehicle Emissions) Over the United States

10. Ocean Surface Topography Rising Sea Levels worldwide will impact islands and coastal regions such as Mumbai, India Monitor Sea Level Rise Better understand scope and pace of climate change Provide information on ocean temperature and chemistry, and possible ocean current changes and possible ocean current changes Analyze formation and forecast movement of severe storms at sea at sea Sea levels are rising at an average rate of ~3mm per year

11. Precipitation Track rainfall’s seasonal progression Better understand development, movement, and impact of severe storms Improve our understanding of the water cycle Support improved water resource management

12. Land Surface Imaging Africa’s Lake Chad: From 1972 to 2001 Monitor changes to farmlands, coastlines, deserts, and forests and forests Track short-term threats to climate change such as wildfires, floods, and volcanic activity wildfires, floods, and volcanic activity