Global Terrestrial Networks : The Hydrological Network

1. Global Terrestrial Networks :The Hydrological Network

2. Findings of the Second Adequacy Reportof GCOS • It is urgent to address the inadequacies of the hydrological network and in particular the timely exchange of data. (First Adequacy Report November 1998) ….. • Progress in completing the global database has been distressingly limited • There is decline in the terrestrial observational network especially the hydrologic network • In spite of repeated calls by the international community for free and unrestricted exchange of hydrological data, this still does not take place. • ….

3. Outline • GTN-H • Hydrological Observation Networks • Data Exchange

4. GTN-H Status October 2008

5. Goals of GTN-H • Aims at creating a global hydrological network of networks • Plans and implements projects that facilitate access to hydrological networks and observation data, and generates derived products • Forms an essential component for integrated global and regional hydrological products

6. Main Objectives • Make available data from existing global hydrological observation networks and enhance their value through integration • Generation of datasets suitable for: • Research in the areas of global and regional climate change • Environmental monitoring, and • Hydrology and water resource management

7. Configuration GTN-H Secretariat, October 2008

8. Hydrological Networks

9. Hydrological Services By Administrative Ministries • Only 134 Members have appointed Hydrological Advisers • 24 members have combined Hydrological and Meteorological Services • 146 Members are represented on CHy by 296 experts

10. Co-ordination with UN Agencies • WHO: Water Quality • UNEP: Environmental Issues • FAO: Water Use • UNESCO: Ground Water • IAEA: Isotope Hydrology

12. World Hydrologic Cycle Observation System WHYCOS is conceived as a tool for improving the collection, dissemination and use of high quality, standardized and consistent hydrological and related data at the national, river basin, regional and international levels.

13. Quality Management Framework • Hydrological Standards and Regulations • Measurement Procedures • Standardisation of new Technological processes • Equipment calibration • Procedure for data processing • Safety considerations

14. Developing Data Products and Information • Data Interpretation • Data Storage and Retrieval • Dissemination of data • Data Analysis • Water Resources Assessment • Forecasting and Warning • Hydrological Predictions and Forecasting

15. Management of Services • Developing Strategy • Socio-economic evaluation of services • Public Awareness • HR Development Development of Legislative Framework • Clear definition of responsibilities • Appropriate platform forinteraction with stakeholders • Clear assignment of Resources

16. Data Exchange

17. WMO Resolutions • Res. 40 (Cg-XII)-WMO policy and practice for the exchange of meteorological and related data and products. • “Members shall provide on a free and unrestricted basis essential data and products which are necessary for the provision of services in support of the protection of life and property and the well being of all the nations…” • Res 25 (Cg-XIII) -Exchange of hydrological data and products. • “Members shall provide on a free and unrestricted basis those hydrological data and products which are necessary for the provision of services in support of the protection of life and property and the well being of all the nations…”

18. Survey on Data Exchange • 39% no requirement for exchange of data and products; • 59% dissatisfied with the exchange at the international level; • 47% place restrictions on international exchange; • Mostly non-on-real time or historical data. • 20% provide flood forecasts, ice jams or alerts on water quality or pollution events.

19. WHYCOS and Data Exchange • Countries are the owners of the data they generate • NHSs are responsible for data validation • Agreement to share data and information within HYCOS project • Establishment of Hydrological Information Systems • Access to data using Internet and other data transmission technologies • Cooperation with international data centres and programmes (GRDC, GPCC)

20. Regional Hydrologic Information Systems • Enhance existing field data collection systems and installation of new facilities where necessary • Upgrade national data processing, rescue and archiving systems. • Establishment of a regional data and information base • Establishment of a Regional Telecommunication Network (RTN) on flood-related information • Preparation and dissemination of hydrological information of national and regional interest

21. Hydrological Applications and Run-Off Network (HARON) Project Implementation • Phase 1: Upgrade & sustained maintenance of major global run-off stations, monitoring continental freshwater fluxes into the world’s oceans • Phase 2: Integration of hydro-meteorological and related in-situ components with satellite observations • Phase 3:Consolidation of integrated hydrological observation network development and application of user-oriented information products made available by HARON

22. Seek support of GCOS SC through: • Expressing support to continued advancing of GTN-H and its contributing networks; • Stressing the importance of global hydrological networks, including efficient data exchange ; • Promoting the implementation of the HARON project as a WIGOS pilot project in collaboration with GEO; • Reiterating the strong concern over the continuing decline of hydrological networks, especially the closure of climate-relevant stations; • UNFCCC, calling upon Members to assign highest priority to strengthening hydrological observation networks

23. THANK YOU!