IGCP 565 Project Workshop

IGCP 565 Workshop 1: Science of geodetic monitoring of the hydrological cycle

Abstract:

The Integrated Global Water Cycle Observations (IGWCO) Theme: Past, Present and Future
Rich Lawford

In 2000, IGOS-P (Integrated Global Observing Strategy Partnership) launched the development of a proposal for a water cycle theme, which was followed by a number of workshops and the preparation of theme report. In 2003, the Integrated Global Water Cycle Observations (IGWCO) theme was approved. IGWCO has developed a number of strategic initiatives including the observation of priority cycle variables, the integration of data sets of different types, and the use of information in meeting the demands of users. IGWCO strategies act to improve coverage and integration of critical water cycle observations. Some of the productive IGWCO activities include:

• Precipitation: In collaboration with GEWEX and the International Precipitation Working Group (IPWG), IGWCO has begun to evaluate integrated high-resolution precipitation products.
• Soil Moisture: Soil moisture activities support the GCOS Implementation Plan and the launch of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity Mission (SMOS) by the European Space Agency (ESA).
• Water Quality: IGWCO is assessing the potential of remote sensing to detect areas with poor water quality.
• Streamflow: Streamflow activities are supporting the development of an integrated surface water runoff product building on enhanced in situ observations and altimetry measurements.
• Groundwater: Plans for an assessment of the adequacy of groundwater observations are under development.

Other IGWCO activities of a more integrative nature involve collaboration with the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period (CEOP) (Koike, 2004) and capacity building efforts taking place in Latin America, Asia and Africa.

In the future, IGWCO activities will be merged with GEO water activities. The presentation will end with a brief description regarding the integration of IGWCO activities within the most recent GEO workplan.