WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON) Workshop

Geneva, Switzerland, 18-20 May 2016

FINAL REPORT

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS

AGENDA

Executive Summary

General Summary

List of Participants (Appendix I)

RBON Concept (Appendix II)

Draft text for the Manual on WIGOS reflecting the RBON (Version A) (Appendix III)

Draft text for the Manual on WIGOS reflecting the RBON (Version B) (Appendix IV)Future Work programme and Action Plan of ICG-WIGOS and Task Teams (Appendix V)

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AGENDA

AGENDA

1. ORGANIZATION OF THE WORKSHOP

2. WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

3. GUIDANCE FROM CBS IPET-OSDE AND ICT-IOS

4. RELEVANT WMO TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

5. EUMETNET COMPOSITE OBSERVING SYSTEM EUCOS

6. REGIONAL BASIC OBSERVING NETWORK (RBON) CONCEPT

7. DRAFT TEXT FOR THE MANUAL ON WIGOS

8. HIGH-LEVEL GENERIC GUIDANCE FOR THE GUIDE TO WIGOS

9. TIMELINE/ROADMAP

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

11. CLOSURE OF THE WORKSHOP

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Regional Basic Observing Network workshop was held at the WMO Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, from 18 to 20 May 2016. The workshop was chaired by Dr Jochen Dibbern, co-chair, CBS/OPAG-IOS.

Considering the guidance from CBS/IPET-OSDE-2 and ICT-IOS-9 and based on a rich and fruitful discussion, the Workshop further elaborated the RBON Concept (see Item 6).

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GENERAL SUMMARY

GENERAL SUMMARY

1. ORGANIZATION OF THE WORKSHOP1.1 Opening of the workshop 1.1.1 The Regional Basic Observing Network workshop was held at the WMO Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, from 18 to 20 May 2016. The workshop was chaired by Dr Jochen Dibbern, co-chair, CBS/OPAG-IOS. The Chair welcomed the participants to the workshop.

1.1.2 On behalf of the Secretary-General of WMO and Dr W. Zhang, Director of the Observing and Information Systems (OBS), Mr E. Charpentier, C/OSD of the OBS department opened the workshop and welcomed the participants to Geneva. Providing some rational for moving from the current RBCN and RBSN to RBON, he highlighted the main goals of the meeting, especially to finalize the concept of RBON, which will be submitted to CBS-16 together with the draft RBON relevant technical regulations for the next edition of the Manual on WIGOS. At the end of his opening statement, he assured the participants of full support to their work by the WMO Secretariat.

1.1.3 The list of participants is given in Appendix I.

1.2 Adoption of the agendaThe workshop adopted the Agenda for the meeting, which is reproduced at the

beginning of this report.

1.3 Working arrangements1.3.1 The workshop agreed on its working hours and adopted a tentative work plan for consideration of the individual Agenda Items.

2. WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES2.1. Dr J. Dibbern briefed on objectives of the workshop and expected outcomes, which were to finalize the RBON concept and initiate drafting of text for the Manual on WIGOS and high-level generic guidance for the Guide to WIGOS.

2.2. He noted that experiences of EUMETNET/EUCOS and the Observing Network Design (OND) Principles (see the Manual on WIGOS (WMO-NO. 1160), Appendix 2.1) should be taken into account.

3. GUIDANCE FROM CBS/IPET-OSDE-2 and ICT-IOS-93.1. Dr J. Dibbern further briefed the workshop about guidance provided by CBS/IPET-OSDE-2 and ICT-IOS-9.

3.2. The IPET-OSDE-2 proposed that the WIGOS Project Office, together with the CBS Inter-Programme Expert Team on WIGOS Framework Implementation Matters (IPET-WIFI) and in consultation with relevant CBS teams, should develop a full “concept document” that can be used to define and establish the roles and practices for operation and maintenance of RBON, through a process of consultation with the WMO Executive Council, RAs and TCs.

3.3. The IPET-OSDE-2 agreed that the following should be taken into account for the further development of the RBON concept:

Those aspects and actions of the EGOS-IP that are relevant to the RBON and might be reflected in the concept (such as frequency of observations; engagement of non NMHSs; contribution of weather radars, AWS, enhanced availability of data during hazard events). The OSDE-2 requested OPAG-IOS chair to identify those actions of the EGOS-IP which are relevant to the RBON and coordinate with chair of IPET-OSDE.

GENERAL SUMMARY, p. 2

The OND Principles developed by IPET-OSDE are relevant to the RBON.

3.4. The ICT-IOS-9 agreed that hourly reporting of RBON observation should be mandatory.

4. RELEVANT WMO TECHNICAL REGULATIONS4.1. The workshop was briefed by the Secretariat, WIGOS-PO, about the relevant WMO technical regulations, namely the Manual on WIGOS (WMO-No. 1160), with a specific focus on the principles for observing network design and planning (Manual on WIGOS, Appendix 2.1) and GCOS climate monitoring principles (Manual on WIGOS, Appendix 2.2); Manual on the GOS (WMO-No. 544), Volume I – Global Aspects and Volume II – Regional Aspects.

5. EUMETNET COMPOSITE OBSERVING SYSTEM EUCOS

5.1. Dr J. Dibbern presented the document on approach and principles applied by EUMETNET for the further development of EUCOS.

5.2. The workshop noted that the term Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON) was first used in Regional Association VI (Europe) when it combined RBSN and RBCN stations in a revised network, responding to the fact that the spread of automation meant that most stations were already serving both synoptic and climatological purposes.

5.3. The workshop noted that a subsequent step was planned for analysis and redesign of the RBON to also take into consideration the inclusion of new ground based observing systems such as weather radars, wind profiler systems, existing buoys, ships and aircraft. The network re-design would be "coordinated with satellite observations". As an example, the upper-air network redesign study was outlined, which identified how many fewer radiosondes needed to be flown given the availability of AMDAR profiles once operational humidity measurements are routinely available from aircraft. The workshop further noted that a lack of resources has resulted in little progress in conducting studies and using the results for RBON network design.

5.4. There was consideration about how much this approach could be applicable for the RBON concept and used by other regional associations for the development of their surface observing systems. In particular, there was consideration of the extent to which scientific studies could be conducted by each RA, and also whether all Members have a similar pre-existing level of overlap across RBSN and RBCN stations (the workshop noted the significant separation of networks in the USA).

6. REGIONAL BASIC OBSERVING NETWORK (RBON) CONCEPT6.1 A draft concept of RBON, as the core document, was presented and discussed from many different perspectives, with attention to factors that should be taken into account for its further elaboration and that should be reflected in the concept. The workshop worked in two breakout groups as well as in plenary doing online editing of the concept document.

6.2 Some of the aspects of the discussion at the workshop included:

The types of observing systems to be included in RBON were discussed. Is it all of the WIGOS components or just some of them;

Which of the Members' requirements for observations (expressed in the RRR process as the requirements of application areas) are to be addressed by RBON? All of them or a specific subset with relevance for the Region;

The concept must define the governance or administration by Regional Associations of all networks that become part of RBON or existing arrangements will continue. For example, ships and buoys (currently JCOMM), atmosphere watch stations (currently CAS/GAW), GSN,

GENERAL SUMMARY, p. 3

GUAN and GRUAN (currently GCOS/AOPC), and so on. The concept document now says "the selection of stations/platforms in RBON will be done by the relevant Regional Group, well-coordinated with bodies (e.g. JCOMM) governing some of these observing systems." The workshop identified a need for further consultation on this topic with all the relevant prospective components of RBON.

The concept of "tiers" within networks was raised by Dr P. Thorne. The workshop appreciated the value of this concept and noted that Observing Network Design Principle No. 7 encourages a tiered approach in general. This was not included as part of the fundamental concept for RBON but could be part of the approach taken by a Regional group as it designs RBON in the respective RAs.

What are the benefits for Members? What would motivate them to tackle the challenge of redefining networks under a new RBON concept? Apart from the overarching result of providing an optimum international exchange of observations that are needed by Members, some specific points included:

integrated management of major networks of land surface stations by merging RBSN and RBCN,

new approaches for using composite observing systems (radiosondes, aircraft-based observations, wind profilers, other) to collect upper air observations,

implementation of new WMO practices for the exchange of weather radar observations.

6.3 The version the workshop agreed on, available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MXp9-ObAApcjS5OXW7aK8KfEpeFbINnvGFKxujoUgZI/edit?ts=573dd481, was further elaborated by WIGOS-PO, improving formatting, making some editorial changes (not in the track changes), and making several other changes in track changes mode; several comments were included. This version is reproduced in the Appendix II.

7. DRAFT TEXT FOR THE MANUAL ON WIGOS7.1. An initial draft text for the Manual on WIGOS reflecting the RBON concept (for edition 2019) was developed by the WIGOS-PO. This was brought to the attention of the workshop but not reviewed or edited by it. The suggested order of provisions reflects the structure of the Manual. The comments and suggestions provided by Dr. M. Ondráš and E. Charpentier were reflected in the version A presented in the Appendix III. E. Charpentier recommended that the provisions should be organized according to the OND principles and his approach (version B) is presented in Appendix IV.

7.2. WIGOS Editorial Board will further elaborate the initial draft to be submitted to CBS-16 (November 2016) and later to ICG-WIGOS-6 in 2017.

8. HIGH-LEVEL GENERIC GUIDANCE FOR THE GUIDE TO WIGOS8.1. The workshop discussed the development of an initial draft text of high-level generic guidance, but not in any detail. There was only a generic consensus that Guidance on the OND Principles, currently under development, together with guidance on the RRR process and EGOS-IP should be used as key references.

9. TIMELINE AND ROADMAP9.1. This subject was not discussed in detail. The WIGOS-PO was requested to elaborate further the timeline for further development of the WIGOS Regulatory Material presented at ICG-WIGOS-5, January 2016 for this purpose; communications of the Concept to relevant technical commissions and each RA should be reflected there. The draft timeline is presented in Appendix V.

GENERAL SUMMARY, p. 4

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS10.1. There was no other business issue raised by the participants.

11. CLOSURE OF THE WORKSHOP 11.1. The workshop closed on Friday, 20 May 2016, at 16:25 hours.

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APPENDIX I, p. 5

Appendix ILIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Dr Jochen Dibbern(Co-Chair, CBS/OPAG-IOS)

Deutscher WetterdienstFrankfurter Str. 13563067 OFFENBACHGermanyTel.: +49 69 8062 2824Fax: +49 69 8062 3836Email: Jochen.Dibbern@dwd.de

Mr Russell StringerRA V (Co-Chair CBS/IPET-WIFI)

Bureau of MeteorologyGPO Box 1289MELBOURNE 3001VICAustraliaTel: +61 3 9669 4225Fax: +61 3 9669 4168Email: r.stringer@bom.gov.au

Mr Yongqing ChenRA II (Co-Coordinator of /EG-WIGOS)

CMA46 Zhongguancun NandajieBeijing 100081ChinaTel: 861068409701chenYQ@cma.gov.cn

Mr Gaston TorresRA III (Vice-chair, WG-ITD, leader of SG on observation)

Direccion Meteorológica de ChileAvd. Diego Portales 3450Estación Central9170018 SantiagoChileEmail: gtorres@meteochile.cl

Mr Glendell De SouzaRA IV (Co-chair, Task Team on WIS/WIGOS)

Caribbean Meteorological Organization27 O'Connor Street, WoodbrookP.O. Box 461Port-of-SpainTrinidad and TobagoPhone Number: + 1868 622 4711Fax Number: + 1868 622 0277Email: GDe_Souza@cmo.org.ttdesouza.cmo@gmail.com

Mr Ercan BuyukbasRA VI (Chair, TT-WIGOS, ICG-WIGOS)

Turkish State Meteorological Service (TSMS)Head of Observation Systems DepartmentPO Box 401AnkaraTurkeyPhone Number: + 90 312 302 20 21Fax Number: +90 312 361 23 59Email: ebuyukbas@mgm.gov.trercanbuyukbas@gmail.com

Prof Peter ThorneCCl representative

Maynooth UniversityMaynooth, Co. Kildare,IrelandT: +353 1 708 6469M: +353 87 612 2753E: peter.thorne@nuim.ie

Mr Tim OakleyRepresenting GCOS

Met OfficeFitzroy Road

GENERAL SUMMARY, p. 6

EX1 3PB Exeter - DevonUnited KingdomTel.: +44 (0) 1392 885644Fax: +44 (0) 1392 885681Email: tim.oakley@metoffice.gov.uk

Dr Jitze P. van der MeulenCIMO Representative

KNMI Weather ResearchWilhelminalaan 10Postbus 2013730 AE DE BILTNetherlandsTel.: +31 30 2206432Fax: +31 30 2210407Email: meulenvd@knmi.nl

WMO SECRETARIAT7 bis, avenue de la Paix, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland

WWW website: www.wmo.int/web/www/www.htmlObserving and Information Systems Department (OBS)

Dr Wenjian ZhangDirector/OBS

Tel: +41 22 730 8567Fax: +41 22 730 8021E-mail: WZhang@wmo.int

Dr Igor ZahumenskyWIGOS Project Officer

Tel: +41-22 730 8277Fax: +41-22 730 8021E-mail: izahumensky@wmo.int

Mr Etienne CharpentierMarine and Oceanographic Observations and Data Management

Tel: +41 22 730 8223Fax: +41 22 730 8478E-mail: ECharpentier@wmo.int

Mr Dean LockettAircraft and Remotely-sensed Observations

Tel: +41 22 730 83 23Fax: + 41 22 730 8021Email: dlockett@wmo.int

Dr Miroslav OndrasGlobal Cryosphere Watch Project Office

Tel: +41 22 730 8482Fax: +41 22 730 8021E-mail: mondras@wmo.int

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Appendix II, p. 1

Appendix II

The Regional Basic Observing Network Concept Paper

1. Preamble The Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN) and Regional Basic Climatological Network (RBCN)1 consist of surface stations and upper-air stations designated by the regional associations. They have proven to be highly effective and made valuable regional contributions to the activities of WMO and its Members. The observations from these stations, which are maintained by WMO Members, have been exchanged globally in real time without restriction. Originally designed to support operational meteorology and climatology, these observations have produced significant benefits across a wide range of applications.Additional and emerging requirements for observations across diverse application areas are driving the need to redefine the Regional Basic Synoptic and Climatological Networks. New and improved observational technologies provide the opportunity to reassess regional observational strategies. The WIGOS framework calls for a more integrated view of WMO observing systems to serve the needs of multiple application areas. The new Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON) will lead to improved services by delivering more and improved observations to stakeholders, and enable the full benefit of regional observing capabilities to be realized. As such, RBON will be a substantive and valuable subset of WIGOS.Cg-17 decided that the development of WIGOS will continue during its pre-operational phase as one of the WMO strategic priorities in the period 2016-2019, with a focus on the regional and national implementation. As part of the regional WIGOS implementation, the RBON is being introduced to replace the existing RBSN and RBCN networks.

2. Draft concept of Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON)RBON will be a subset of WIGOS, typically used in combination with space-based and remaining surface-based observing elements of WIGOS in any given application. By design, the RBON will be interoperable with many such remaining observing capabilities. RBON will help to address many, but not all, of the requirements that members have for WIGOS. Design, execution and management of an RBON will be made in the context of the broader WIGOS.

2.1 Definition of a RBON

2.1.1 In each WMO Region, and in Antarctica, the RBON consists of surface-based meteorological and related observing stations/platforms; it responds to the collective needs of its Members, allowing them to fulfil their mandates and responsibilities in the provision of products and services. The RBON is established and managed by the respective regional associations and the WMO Executive Council (in the case of Antarctica).

2.1.2 The RBON constitutes a selected subset of existing observing systems within WIGOS arising from the Region. The network capabilities will respond to user 1 RBSN and RBCN are defined in the Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49), Volume I, Definitions, and further elaborated in the Manual on the Global Observing System (WMO-No. 544), Part III.

Appendix II, p. 2

observational requirements at the national, regional and global levels, identified by the Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR) process2.

2.1.3 The RBON will operate in support of not only weather forecasting and climate monitoring, but also aiming to address as many as possible of the following WMO application areas:

a) Global numerical weather prediction (GNWP);b) High-resolution numerical weather prediction (HRNWP);c) Nowcasting and very short-range forecasting (NVSRF);d) Sub-seasonal to longer prediction;e) Aeronautical meteorology;f) Ocean applications;g) Agricultural meteorology;h) Climate monitoring (as undertaken through the Global Climate Observing

System (GCOS));i) Climate applications.j) Atmospheric chemistry related application areas

2.1.4 The RBON will comply with the Principles for observing network design and planning3, paying particular attention to those aspects of the principles as will be regulated in a new section on the RBON in the Manual on WIGOS.

2.2 The key attributes of the new RBON encompasses (not exclusive):a) Requirements for real-time and near-real-time data exchange at the global

level;b) Requirements for regular updates of WIGOS metadata in the Observing Systems

Capability Analysis and Review tool (OSCAR);c) Requirements for data exchange in defined WMO formats;d) Commitment to operate and maintain the station/platform in the RBON for a

minimum of four (4) years;e) Requirements for a higher frequency of data (hourly and sub-hourly data) and

daily climate summaries;4 f) Requirements for provision of required climate messages;g) Requirements for complying with the WIGOS quality management according to

the Manual on WIGOS;h) Requirements for change management according to the Manual on WIGOS;i) Requirements for (Regional) multilateral arrangements for inclusion of systems

that cover more than one Region;j) Requirements to support as many as possible of the WMO application areas;k) Stations/platforms are not limited to those under the responsibility of the

National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs).

2 see the Manual on WIGOS (WMO-No. 1160), section 2.2.4 and Appendix 2.33 see the Manual on WIGOS (WMO-No. 1160), section 2.2.2 and Appendix 2.14 details on frequency of observations depending on the observing system and type of the observation will be specified in the technical regulations

Appendix II, p. 3

2.3 Process for the selection of stations/platforms into RBONa) The Regional Association (RA) will prioritize the WMO application areas relevant

to its Region; b) The stations/platforms will be selected so that the RBON observations together

with other sources of observations available regionally, including satellite observations, allow horizontal resolution requirements as recorded in OSCAR are met at least at the threshold level.

c) The stations/platforms will be selected in such a way that at least the threshold, but preferably breakthrough, user observational requirements as recorded in OSCAR for vertical resolution (profile data), observing cycle, timeliness, uncertainty, and stability are met.

d) The selection will be done by the relevant Regional Group designated by the respective RA (e.g., a future possible Regional WIGOS Centre or other dedicated groups) with participation of experts, including users and data providers, from its Members, and well-coordinated with bodies (e.g. JCOMM) governing some of these observing systems.

e) The proposal for RBON, including an action plan to deal with the identified gaps, will be submitted to the RA session for consideration and adoption through a resolution.

2.4 Criteria for the selection of stations/platforms into RBON Only those stations/platforms that meet the following requirements can be selected:

a) Stations/platforms will be capable of exchanging data in real-time or near-real-time on a global level;

b) Stations/platforms will be capable of exchanging data in the WMO data representation formats (note: other parties may provide a conversion from local to WMO formats);

c) Stations/platforms recorded in OSCAR will be considered;d) Stations/platforms will have a commitment to operate for a minimum of four (4)

years;e) Stations/platforms will be capable of providing preferably hourly and sub-hourly

data;f) Stations/platforms will comply with the Regional Quality Assessment;g) Change management procedures, including reporting, will be respected;

2.5 Monitoring of RBONa) RBON will be monitored against the requirements on a regular basis by one or

more recognized global/regional centres, which will identify non-conforming stations/platforms;

b) Members will respond to any incident management finding within a defined and agreed time frame appropriate to regional capabilities and expectations;

2.6 Management of RBONa) The Regional Group will regularly analyse monitoring reports and assist those

Members whose stations/platforms do not conform with the regional quality assessment;

Appendix II, p. 4

b) Members will inform the Regional Group on action taken to address long-term deficiencies vis-à-vis regional monitoring findings;

c) Stations/platforms that, in the long-term, do not conform with the defined Regional WIGOS quality standards will be proposed for removal from the RBON and the relevant Members consulted;

d) In the intersessional period, minor changes in RBON can be authorized by the President of the RA based on the request of the corresponding Permanent Representative if supported by the relevant Regional Group;

e) Identified gaps in the RBON observing capabilities will be documented and submitted to the RA session and an action plan will be proposed how to fill the gaps.

2.7 Types of stations/platforms expected to be included in a RBON According to the classification used in the OSCAR/Surface, the type of station/platform to be included in the RBON could be as follows:

a) Land (fixed/mobile/on ice)b) Sea (fixed/mobile/on ice)c) Lake/River (fixed/mobile)d) Air (fixed/mobile)

For fixed stations/platforms, a commitment is made to observe at that location, whereas for mobile types the commitment is to assuring the observing program as a whole to the extent declared.

2.8 Possible candidate stations for a RBONThe stations/platforms currently comprising the Regional Basic Synoptic Networks (RBSN) and the Regional Basic Climatological Networks (RBCN) are the primary candidates for the RBON, and are expected to constitute the backbone of the RBON. Those will be supplemented by other types of stations/platforms, such as weather radars, aircraft-based meteorological stations, wind profilers, lightning detection systems, voluntary observing ships and buoys. These stations/platforms need not necessarily be operated only by NMHSs.More specifically:

a) Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) are particularly significant as they provide a convergence of technology which is being used for weather forecasting and climatological requirements;

b) Conversely, there is a divergence of technologies providing upper-air observations, so RBON will be a composite system of radiosondes, ground-based remote sensing, and the regional observations from aircraft based observing systems (e.g. AMDAR);

c) Weather radar stations provide observations for which there are new requirements for international exchange, and hence will be an important element of RBON.

Appendix II, p. 5

3. Further background and reference material for the Regional Basic Observing Network concept

The RBON is a subset of WIGOS stations selected essentially for global exchange, addressing the Vision for the Global Observing System in 2025 and responding to the Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR) and the Implementation Plan for the Evolution of Global Observing Systems (EGOS-IP)( the period up to 2025) (WIGOS Technical Report No. 2013-4) (as listed in Annex). The RBON complies with the Observing Network Design Principles as defined in the Manual on WIGOS. OSCAR is a key tool for (i) recording user observational requirements agreed at the global and regional levels, and (ii) for collecting and recording RBON station metadata and their capabilities; hence particularly facilitating monitoring activities, gap analysis, and the planning for the evolution of RBON. Relevant reference material is provided below.

References1) Manual on WIGOS (WMO-No. 1160)2) Vision for the Global Observing System in 2025 (available at

http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/OSY/Publications/Vision-2025/Vision-for-GOS-in-2025_en.pdf ) .

3) OND Principles Guidance (under development)4) Guidance on the RRR process (Manual on WIGOS, Appendix 2.3; Guide to the

Global Observing System (WMO-No. 448), Part II, Observational Data Requirements, 2.3.1)

5) Implementation Plan for the Evolution of Global Observing Systems (EGOS-IP) (WIGOS Technical Report No. 2013-4)

Appendix II, p. 6

Annex

Relevant actions in the EGOS-IP are as follows:3.1 Surface-based observing system In order to meet the different user observational requirements, many surface-based observing systems could be made more efficient without necessarily having to produce more observations. This can be realized by processing and exchanging more data, for example in the following ways:a) A global exchange of all hourly data which can be used in global applications, and

a promotion of global exchange of sub-hourly data in support of relevant application areas;

b) An exchange between different user communities (according to WIGOS standards) of observations coming from the atmosphere, ocean and terrestrial observing systems, with different pre-processing levels when needed.

3.2 Upper-air observing systems They can be improved through various actions for radiosondes, aircraft data and profilers, such as:a) Making the upper-air global data coverage more uniform when considering all the

observation systems together;b) Making a special effort to maintain isolated radiosonde sites or platforms

(including Automated Shipboard Aerological Stations - ASAPs);c) Making a special effort to reactivate existing radiosonde sites which have stopped

operations or which produce observations which are not transmitted;d) Developing an adaptive component for radiosondes and Aircraft Meteorological

Data Relays (AMDARs), in order to produce some observations where and when they are most needed;

e) Making a special effort to maintain the GCOS Upper-Air Network (GUAN) radiosonde sites and develop the GCOS Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN);

f) Improving radiosonde processing and dissemination in order to make available data at higher vertical resolution, together with position and time for each datum;

g) Developing a consistent network of remote-sensing profiling stations on a regional scale;

h) Developing and implementing humidity sensors as an integrated component of the AMDAR system.

3.3 Weather radar stations Specific actions are needed with respect to: a) Improve the quality of quantitative precipitation estimates;b) Develop a weather radar data processing / exchange framework to serve all the

users, achieving homogeneous data formats for international exchange._______

Appendix III, p. 7

Appendix III

DRAFT RBON RELEVANT TECHNICAL REGULATIONS (Version A)

(Manual on WIGOS (WMO-No. 1160), Section 3)

DEFINITIONS

Horizontal resolution (Horizontal distribution of surface stations). …Observing cycle (frequency and timing of observations). …Regional Basic Observing Network. A network of surface-based meteorological and related observing stations/platforms, defined and adopted by a WMO regional association that responds to the collective needs and requirements of its Members, allowing them to fulfil their mandates and responsibilities in the provision of products and services, within WMO application areas in support of all WMO Programmes.Standard time of observation (Standard time). A time specified for making meteorological and related observations.…

3. ATTRIBUTES SPECIFIC TO THE SURFACE-BASED SUBSYSTEM OF WIGOS PROVISIONS

…

3.2. DESIGN, PLANNING AND EVOLUTION

3.2.2 Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON)

3.2.2.1 Each WMO regional association shall establish and manage its RBON.

3.2.2.2 The RBON shall be built on existing observing systems within WIGOS.

3.2.2.3 The RBON capabilities shall respond to the regional needs and user observational requirements at the national, regional and global levels as identified by the RRR process.Note:

The RBON requested capabilities (i.e. observed variables with horizontal and vertical resolutions, observing cycle and timeliness) are identified by the RRR process (see section 2.2.4 and Appendix 2.3).

3.2.2.4 The RBON shall be reviewed and revised at each session of the regional association. The list of stations constituting the current RBON shall be given in the report of the most recent session of the Association. 3.2.2.5 Members shall implement the RBON in their respective Region.3.2.2.6 Members shall comply with the provisions specified within WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49) and it Annexes when operating the RBON stations/platforms.3.2.2.7 The RBON should operate in support of not only weather forecasting and climate monitoring, but also aiming to address as many as possible of the following WMO application areas:

k) Global numerical weather prediction (GNWP);l) High-resolution numerical weather prediction (HRNWP);

Appendix II, p. 8

m) Nowcasting and very short-range forecasting (NVSRF);n) Sub-seasonal to longer prediction;o) Aeronautical meteorology;p) Ocean applications;q) Agricultural meteorology;r) Climate monitoring (as undertaken through the Global Climate Observing System

(GCOS));s) Climate applications.t) Atmospheric chemistry related application areas

3.2.2.8 The RBON shall comply with the Observing Network Design (OND) Principles (see Appendix 2.1), focusing primarily on (a) serving many application areas; (b) responding to user requirements; (c) meeting national, regional and global requirements; and (d) making observational data available. 3.2.2.9 Members shall make the selection of the stations/platforms in such a way that the RBON observations together with other sources of observations available regionally, including satellite observations, allow horizontal and vertical resolution requirements, as recorded in OSCAR, are met at least at the threshold level.Notes: 1. Only a station/platform registered in OSCAR could be considered.2. According to the classifications used in the OSCAR/Surface, the types of station/platform to be included in the RBON could be as follows:a) Land (fixed/mobile/on ice)b) Sea (fixed/mobile/on ice)c) Lake/River (fixed/mobile)d) Air (fixed/mobile)

3.2.2.10 If in certain desert and other sparsely populated areas it is not possible to establish the network to address horizontal and vertical resolution requirements, the network as near as possible to the recommended one should be established. Special efforts should be made to establish an adequate network in such areas where they border a populated area or are traversed by a regularly used air route.3.2.2.11 Members shall make the selection of the stations/platforms in such a way that at least the threshold, but preferably breakthrough, user observational requirements for vertical resolution (profile data), observing cycle, timeliness, uncertainty, as recorded in OSCAR, and stability are met. 3.2.2.12 For fixed stations/platforms, the commitment by Member concerned shall be made to observe at that location, whereas for mobile types the commitment is to assuring the observing program as a whole to the extent declared.3.2.2.13 Observations and observational metadata from any RBON observing station/platform shall be exchanged globally, in real-time or near real-time, through the WMO Information System, using WMO standard formats for data and metadata representation and exchange.

Comments: Probably under “Definitions”:

1. Details/definitions are needed on timing (standard time of observation) depending on the observing system and type of the observation.

2. clarification of the real-time is needed

Appendix II, p. 9

3. clarification of the near real-time is needed

for different types of observations

3.2.2.14 Observations and observational metadata from any RBON observing station/platform shall be exchanged with the frequency as specified in Appendix XZ

(i.e. details on frequency of observations depending on the observing system and type of the observation)

3.2.2.15 Members shall plan, operate and maintain their RBON stations for a minimum of four (4) years in a continuous and reliable manner utilizing WIGOS standard and recommended practices and procedures, and tools.

3.2.2.16 Each RBON station/platform shall be located so as to provide observations representative for the area in which it is situated.3.2.2.17 Each RBON station/platform shall comply with the quality assessment in accordance with 2.4.3 above. 3.2.2.18 Each RBON station/platform shall comply with change management in accordance with 2.4.6 above.3.2.2.19 Members shall monitor RBON against the requirements on a regular basis by one or more recognized global/regional centres, which will identify non-conforming stations/platforms.3.2.2.20 Members shall ensure that inconsistencies and other RBON related problems identified by the WIGOS Quality Monitoring System (WDQMS) are rectified in a timely manner and that a process for their documentation and rectification is implemented and maintained.3.2.2.21 Members shall respond to any incident management finding within a defined and agreed time frame appropriate to regional capabilities and expectations. 3.2.2.22 The selection of the RBON stations/platforms should be done by the relevant constituent working body designated by the respective regional association with participation of experts, including users and data providers, from its Members, and well-coordinated with bodies (e.g. JCOMM) governing some of these observing systems. 3.2.2.23 The proposal for RBON, including an action plan to deal with the identified gaps, shall be submitted to the regional association session for consideration and adoption through a resolution.3.2.2.24 The respective subsidiary body of the Association should regularly analyse monitoring reports and assist those Members whose stations/platforms do not conform with the regional performance and quality assessment.3.2.2.25 Members should inform the respective subsidiary body of the Association on action taken to address long-term deficiencies vis-à-vis regional monitoring findings.3.2.2.26 Stations/platforms that, during the intersessional period, do not conform with the defined regional WIGOS quality standards should be proposed by the chair of the respective subsidiary body of the Association, in consultation with the relevant Members, for removal from the RBON.Note:The regional quality standards are defined by … and are available at …

3.2.2.27 The regional association shall authorize its president to approve, at the request of the Member concerned, on the advice of the chair of the respective subsidiary body of the Association and in consultation with the Secretary-General, minor amendments to the list of RBON stations without formal consultation with the other Members of the Association.

Appendix II, p. 10

3.2.2.28 The Secretary-General shall notify all Members of WMO through the Operational Newsletter or by circular letter of changes agreed with the president of the Association.Note: Any change of substance, that is, one adversely affecting the horizontal resolution of the network or proposing a significant change in observational hours, still requires the formal agreement of Members through the adoption of a resolution by postal ballot.

***********Other provisions that could be considered (when modified as appropriate):The RBON should provide observations that have the necessary uncertainty, spatial and temporal resolution, observing cycle and timeliness to characterize the state of, temporal and spatial changes in the meteorological phenomena and processes occurring on the regional scale. The RBON should be as homogeneous and as uniform as possible.

_______

Appendix IV, p. 11

Appendix IV

DRAFT RBON RELEVANT TECHNICAL REGULATIONS (Version B)

(Manual on WIGOS (WMO-No. 1160), Section 3)

DEFINITIONS

Horizontal resolution (Horizontal distribution of surface stations). …Observing cycle (frequency and timing of observations). …Regional Basic Observing Network. A network of surface-based meteorological and related observing stations/platforms, defined and adopted by a WMO regional association that responds to the collective needs and requirements of its Members, allowing them to fulfil their mandates and responsibilities in the provision of products and services, within WMO application areas in support of all WMO Programmes.Standard time of observation (Standard time). A time specified for making meteorological and related observations.…

3. ATTRIBUTES SPECIFIC TO THE SURFACE-BASED SUBSYSTEM OF WIGOS PROVISIONS

…3.2. DESIGN, PLANNING AND EVOLUTION

3.2.2 Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON)

3.2.2.1 Each WMO regional association shall establish and manage its RBON.

3.2.2.26 Members shall comply with the provisions specified within WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49) and it Annexes when operating the RBON stations/platforms.3.2.2.38 The RBON shall comply with the Observing Network Design (OND) Principles (see Appendix 2.1), focusing primarily on some of them as detailed below.OND Principle 1 – SERVING MANY APPLICATION AREAS3.2.2.8.17 The RBON should operate in support of not only weather forecasting and climate monitoring, but also aiming to address as many as possible of the following WMO application areas:

u) Global numerical weather prediction (GNWP);v) High-resolution numerical weather prediction (HRNWP);w) Nowcasting and very short-range forecasting (NVSRF);x) Sub-seasonal to longer prediction;y) Aeronautical meteorology;z) Ocean applications;aa) Agricultural meteorology;bb) Climate monitoring (as undertaken through the Global Climate Observing System

(GCOS));cc) Climate applications.

Appendix II, p. 12

dd) Atmospheric chemistry related application areas

OND Principle 2 – RESPONDING TO USER REQUIREMENTS3.2.2.8.29 Members shall make the selection of the stations/platforms in such a way that the RBON observations together with other sources of observations available regionally, including satellite observations, allow horizontal and vertical resolution requirements, as recorded in OSCAR, are met at least at the threshold level.Notes: 1. Only a station/platform registered in OSCAR could be considered.2. According to the classifications used in the OSCAR/Surface, the types of station/platform to be included in the RBON could be as follows:a) Land (fixed/mobile/on ice)b) Sea (fixed/mobile/on ice)c) Lake/River (fixed/mobile)d) Air (fixed/mobile)

3.2.2.8.311 Members shall make the selection of the stations/platforms in such a way that at least the threshold, but preferably breakthrough, user observational requirements for vertical resolution (profile data), observing cycle, timeliness, uncertainty, as recorded in OSCAR, and stability are met. 3.2.2.8.4 The RBON should provide observations that have the necessary uncertainty, spatial and temporal resolution, observing cycle and timeliness to characterize the state of, temporal and spatial changes in the meteorological phenomena and processes occurring on the regional scale. 3.2.2.8.512 For fixed stations/platforms, the commitment by Member concerned shall be made to observe at that location, whereas for mobile types the commitment is to assuring the observing program as a whole to the extent declared.OND Principle 3 – MEETING NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL REQUIREMENTS3.2.2.8.63 The RBON capabilities shall respond to the regional needs and user observational requirements at the national, regional and global levels as identified by the RRR process.Note:

The RBON requested capabilities (i.e. observed variables with horizontal and vertical resolutions, observing cycle and timeliness) are identified by the RRR process (see section 2.2.4 and Appendix 2.3).

3.2.2.8.74 The RBON shall be reviewed and revised at each session of the regional association. The list of stations constituting the current RBON shall be given in the report of the most recent session of the Association. 3.2.2.8.8.5 Members shall implement the RBON in their respective Region.3.2.2.8.916 Each RBON station/platform shall be located so as to provide observations representative for the area in which it is situated.3.2.2.8.1017 Each RBON station/platform shall comply with the quality assessment in accordance with 2.4.3 above. 3.2.2.8.1119 Members shall monitor RBON against the requirements on a regular basis by one or more recognized global/regional centres, which will identify non-conforming stations/platforms.3.2.2.8.1220Members shall ensure that inconsistencies and other RBON related problems identified by the WIGOS Quality Monitoring System (WDQMS) are rectified

Appendix II, p. 13

in a timely manner and that a process for their documentation and rectification is implemented and maintained.3.2.2.8.1321Members shall respond to any incident management finding within a defined and agreed time frame appropriate to regional capabilities and expectations. 3.2.2.8.1422 The selection of the RBON stations/platforms should be done by the relevant constituent working body designated by the respective regional association with participation of experts, including users and data providers, from its Members, and well-coordinated with bodies (e.g. JCOMM) governing some of these observing systems. 3.2.2.8.1523Regional associations shall consider and adopt through a resolution the RBON, including an action plan to deal with the identified gaps.3.2.2.8.1624 The respective subsidiary body of the Association should regularly analyse monitoring reports and assist those Members whose stations/platforms do not conform with the regional performance and quality assessment.3.2.2.8.1725 Members should inform the respective subsidiary body of the Association on action taken to address long-term deficiencies vis-à-vis regional monitoring findings.3.2.2.8.1826 Stations/platforms that, during the intersessional period, do not conform with the defined regional WIGOS quality standards should be proposed by the chair of the respective subsidiary body of the Association, in consultation with the relevant Members, for removal from the RBON.3.2.2.8.1922 The selection of the RBON stations/platforms should be done by the relevant constituent working body designated by the respective regional association with participation of experts, including users and data providers, from its Members, and well-coordinated with bodies (e.g. JCOMM) governing some of these observing systems. 3.2.2.8.2023The proposal for RBON, including an action plan to deal with the identified gaps, shall be submitted to the regional association session for consideration and adoption through a resolution.3.2.2.8.2124 The respective subsidiary body of the Association should regularly analyse monitoring reports and assist those Members whose stations/platforms do not conform with the regional performance and quality assessment.3.2.2.8.2225 Members should inform the respective subsidiary body of the Association on action taken to address long-term deficiencies vis-à-vis regional monitoring findings.3.2.2.8.2326 Stations/platforms that, during the intersessional period, do not conform with the defined regional WIGOS quality standards should be proposed by the chair of the respective subsidiary body of the Association, in consultation with the relevant Members, for removal from the RBON.Note:The regional quality standards are defined by … and are available at …3.2.2.8.2427The regional association shall authorize its president to approve, at the request of the Member concerned, on the advice of the chair of the respective subsidiary body of the Association and in consultation with the Secretary-General, minor amendments to the list of RBON stations without formal consultation with the other Members of the Association. 3.2.2.8.2528The Secretary-General shall notify all Members of WMO through the Operational Newsletter or by circular letter of changes agreed with the president of the Association.Note: Any change of substance, that is, one adversely affecting the horizontal resolution of the network or proposing a significant change in observational hours, still requires the formal agreement of Members through the adoption of a resolution by postal ballot.OND Principle 4 – DESIGNING APPROPRIATELY SPACED NETWORKS3.3.3.8.26 The RBON should be as homogeneous and as uniform as possible.

Appendix II, p. 14

3.2.2.8.2710 If in certain desert and other sparsely populated areas it is not possible to establish the network to address horizontal and vertical resolution requirements, the network as near as possible to the recommended one should be established. Special efforts should be made to establish an adequate network in such areas where they border a populated area or are traversed by a regularly used air route.

OND Principle 5 – DESIGNING COST-EFFECTIVE NETWORKS3.2.2.8.282 The RBON shall be built on existing observing systems within WIGOS.

OND Principle 6 – ACHIEVING HOMOGENEITY IN OBSERVATIONAL DATANote: No specific focus is placed for RBON on this Observing Network Design principle.OND Principle 7 – DESIGNING THROUGH A TIERED APPROACHNote: No specific focus is placed for RBON on this Observing Network Design principle.OND Principle 8 – DESIGNING RELIABLE AND STABLE NETWORKSNote: No specific focus is placed for RBON on this Observing Network Design principle.OND Principle 9 – MAKING OBSERVATIONAL DATA AVAILABLE. 3.2.2.8.2913Observations and observational metadata from any RBON observing station/platform shall be exchanged globally, in real-time or near real-time, through the WMO Information System, using WMO standard formats for data and metadata representation and exchange.

Comments: Probably under “Definitions”:

Details/definitions are needed on timing (standard time of observation) depending on the observing system and type of the observation,

clarification of the real-time is needed,

clarification of the near real-time is needed

for different types of observations

OND Principle 10 – PROVIDING INFORMATION SO THAT THE OBSERVATIONS CAN BE INTERPRETED3.2.2.8.3014Observations and observational metadata from any RBON observing station/platform shall be exchanged with the frequency as specified in Appendix XZ.

OND Principle 11 – ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE NETWORKS3.2.2.8.3115Members shall plan, operate and maintain their RBON stations for a minimum of four (4) years in a continuous and reliable manner utilizing WIGOS standard and recommended practices and procedures, and tools.

OND Principle 12 – MANAGING CHANGE3.2.2.8.3218Each RBON station/platform shall comply with change management in accordance with 2.4.6 above.

_______

Appendix V, p. 15

Appendix VTIMELINE AND ROADMAP

Significant events RBON concept Manual on WIGOS

May 2016

RBON Workshop

The Concept finalized; drafting of text for regulatory material

(RM) initiated

June 2016 ICG-WIGOS

Concept to be distributed for feedback to other TCs and

WMO Programmes

Nov 2016 CBS-16 The Concept presented

Feb 2017 RA-II-16 The Concept presented and

communicated

Dec 2016

ICG-WIGOS/WEdB

The draft text for RM finalized for submission to ICG-WIGOS-6

Early 2017 ICG-WIGOS-6 The Draft text for RM approved

June 2017 EC-69

The draft text for RM translated and submitted to RAs/MGs for

review

Mid 2017

RA-IV-17RA-V-17RA-VI-17

The Concept presented and communicated

Late 2017

ICG-WIGOS/WEdB

The draft text for RM incorporated in the draft Manual on WIGOS

Early 2018 ICG-WIGOS-7

The draft Manual on WIGOS approved by ICG-WIGOS;

submitted to P-TCs for TCs review

Mid-end

2018RA-III-17RA-I-17

The Concept presented and communicated

Mid 2018

Feedback from TCs integrated; the draft Manual on WIGOS translated to all official languages; submitted to CBS-Ext.(2018)

Late 2018 CBS-Ext.(2018)

The draft Manual on WIGOS endorsed by CBS-Ext.

Oct 2018

The draft Manual on WIGOS submitted to Members for comments

Mid 2019 Cg-18 The draft Manual on WIGOS submitted for

approval

________