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GCOS REGIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR
CENTRAL ASIA
November 2004
FOREWORD
Implementing the Regional Action Plan
The intent of this GCOS Action Plan for Central Asia is to ensure that GCOS requirements for
observational data are met in Central Asia by achieving improvements in climate system
observing networks and related data management, including data exchange, historical data
rescue and archiving, and access systems.
Enhanced monitoring of climate system
parameters, improved data management and easy access to observational data will facilitate
climate change detection, climate impact assessments, planning for adaptation to climate and
its extremes and the development and validation of climate models. It will, in addition, support
many socio-economic and environmental applications in fields such as land use planning,
industry development, water resources management, agriculture, forestry, and others.
Progressive implementation of the initiatives proposed in the Plan will, therefore, not only yield
substantial benefits to GCOS and the global community but will also yield benefits at regional,
national, and local levels. In consequence, the Action Plan presents a solid case for investment
in improving the region’s capacity to develop and maintain systematic, long-term, climate
observations and to establish effective climate data management, exchange, and access
systems. The implementation of the Action Plan will, however, require long-term commitments
by the nations of Central Asia, reinforced by technical and financial assistance from external
donors.
The countries of Central Asia are at different stages of development. Previous efforts to
improve meteorological, hydrological, oceanographic, and other climate components of
observing, data management, and prediction systems within individual countries have been
funded both domestically and through bilateral or multilateral aid. It is hoped that the regional
framework provided by this Action Plan will encourage additional domestic and external
initiatives by presenting a regionally-based prioritization of needs and by proposing realistic and
effective actions to address these deficiencies. The regional approach inherent in the Action
Plan also encourages, even necessitates, enhanced coordination and cooperation between
individual nations and institutions in the region, including improved communication of
information and products to final users. Continued pursuit of regional approaches in areas such
as in-situ observing network operation and maintenance, application of satellite remote sensing,
telecommunications, data management, and capacity building has the potential to yield
significant benefits in terms of cost savings and efficiencies both for individual countries and for
the region as a whole.
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword..............................................................................................................................i
Executive Summary...........................................................................................................1
1.
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................3
1.1
The Regional Context ............................................................................................4
1.2
The Purpose of the Plan ........................................................................................5
1.3
The Structure of the Plan ......................................................................................6
2.
THE CURRENT STATUS OF OBSERVATIONAL SYSTEMS IN THE
REGION ...................................................................................................................7
2.1
The Atmosphere......................................................................................................7
2.2
The Oceans............................................................................................................12
2.3
The Terrestrial System ..........................................................................................13
2.4
Other Networks and Systems...............................................................................16
3
REGIONAL COORDINATION AND ORGANIZATION ...........................................17
3.1
Overall Assessment...............................................................................................17
3.2
Recommendations.................................................................................................18
4.
SPECIFIC PROJECTS TO ADDRESS ISSUES AND REQUIREMENTS...............18
5.
CONCLUDING REMARKS .....................................................................................62
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................62
Appendix A GCOS Monitoring Principles............................................................63
Appendix B GSN and GUAN Stations in Central Asia .........................................65
ii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Preparing for and adapting to climate change, climatic variability and extremes of climate is
critical to the pursuit of sustainable development, poverty reduction, and protection of life
and property in Central Asia. The countries of this region are now striving for sustainable
development of their resources. This striving is generating increasing needs for
observational data on all components of the climate system. Such data are needed to assist
governments and industries to assess their vulnerability to climate change and to take
mitigating or adaptive measures, such as improved agricultural planning and optimization of
water supply systems. Strengthening observations in the region will, as a consequence,
assist countries in meeting their respective social, economic, and environmental needs while
also contributing to addressing global concerns.
Analysis of the current status of climate observing networks in Central Asia has shown that
there are gaps and deficiencies in the operation of the GCOS Surface and Upper-Air
Networks, as well as deficiencies at mountain stations and needs for further development of
the GAW network. Requirements to improve climate data collection, quality assurance, data
exchange, and data management and archiving were identified. There are also needs to
optimize the network of hydrological stations in Central Asia, to restore hydrological posts on
major rivers, and to rehabilitate the existing hydrological network at large lakes. The
countries of Central Asia also need to improve monitoring of the alpine zone glaciosphere,
year-round glacier observations at some of the existing stations and permafrost
observations. It is recognised that many GCOS requirements can only be met in a practical
and cost-effective manner by the use of space-based observations and the application of
satellite products.
The overall objective of this Regional GCOS Action Plan for Central Asia is to contribute to
national, regional, and global sustainable development, to poverty reduction, and to other
climate-sensitive priorities. It proposes to do this by taking effective action to ensure that
climate observing systems and related infrastructure in the region are adequate to address
the challenges associated with predicting, planning for, mitigating, and adapting to climate
variability, climate change, and extreme climatic events and their impacts. Therefore, this
Action Plan establishes a framework for improving systematic monitoring of the climate
system in Central Asia within the context of GCOS and the national commitments to the
UNFCCC and with respect to regional and national priorities.
More specifically, the Action Plan:
•
Identifies GCOS and related requirements for systematic observations of the climate
system from Central Asia;
•
Outlines a strategy for subsequent implementation actions to rectify identified gaps and
deficiencies in existing networks and programs;
•
Contributes to meeting national requirements for systematic climate observations to
support national planning for adaptation to climate change and sustainable
development;
•
Enhances coordination and synergy between observations, data management, and data
exchange and access programs and initiatives, both within and external to the region.
1
In view of the above, the Plan proposes eight high priority projects, as follows:
Project No 1. Improving of the GCOS Surface and Upper-Air Networks in Central Asia.
Project No 2. Meteorological observational data rescue and historical data collection for GCOS
stations.
Project No 3. Strengthening the GAW network in Central Asia by increasing measurements of
aerosol optical depth and precipitation chemistry.
Project No 4. Improving the hydrological network on major rivers in Central Asia, which includes
four subprojects:
- Rehabilitation and operation of high-mountain stations in the Aral Sea Basin;
- Rehabilitation and operation of lowland hydrological stations;
- Hydrological data rescue for Central Asia, and;
- Establishment of public relations unit.
Project No 5. Adaptation of hydrological observations of very large lakes in Central Asia to the
assessment of climate change.
Project No 6. Glaciosphere monitoring in Central Asia.
Project No 7. Permafrost and ground ice as potential sources of groundwater in the arid regions
of Central Asia.
Project No 8. Improving the application of satellite data for climate in Central Asia.
In addition the Action Plan contains recommendations that stress the importance of improving
coordination at national and regional levels through establishment of a network of focal points
for the RBCN (especially for the GSN and GUAN networks) and of a network of sub-regional
coordinators in four sub-regions (namely the Russian Federation, China, Middle Asia and the
Caucasus). These networks would facilitate the implementation of the projects proposed in this
Action Plan as well as the acquisition, exchange, processing, and application of climate system
data to meet GCOS and regional needs. The creation of National GCOS Committees in the
large countries of Central Asia is considered a useful tool for promoting GCOS at the national
level.
The Plan identifies needs for additional resources to implement projects and to sustain
systematic climate observation programs. A resource mobilization strategy is based on seeking
external donor funding for capacity building and infrastructure improvements and targeting
national governments as the primary sources of funding to sustain observational programmes.
Heads of NMHSs are encouraged to work actively with their governments to show them the
benefits to national economies that can be gained through the proper use of weather and
climate data and information. Illustrating these benefits will help NMHSs receive the funding
required to implement the projects in this Action Plan and will help governments understand
how improved observing programmes can help governments reduce poverty, mitigate disasters,
and improve public health.
2
1. INTRODUCTION
The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) was established in 1992 as a joint initiative of
the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and International
Council for Science (ICSU). GCOS is intended to be a long-term, user-driven operational
system capable of providing the comprehensive observations required for monitoring the climate
system, for detecting and attributing climate change, for assessing the impacts of climate
variability and change, and for supporting research toward improved understanding, modeling
and prediction of the climate system. Although GCOS does not make observations or generate
data products, it does stimulate, encourage, coordinate and otherwise facilitate the taking of the
needed observations by national and international organizations in support of both their own
requirements and of common goals. When fully implemented, GCOS will enable nations to
improve climate prediction services, mitigate climate disasters and plan for sustainable
development by providing access to high quality global data sets. GCOS addresses the total
climate system, including physical, chemical and biological properties and atmospheric,
oceanic, hydrologic, cryospheric and terrestrial processes. Consequently, GCOS works in
partnership with the Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) and the Global Ocean
Observing System (GOOS), as well as with WMO World Weather Watch and WMO Global
Atmosphere Watch programs.1
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has recognized the
importance of research and systematic observation. Further, its Conference of Parties (COP) in
1998 has noted that high quality data for climate-related purposes is not available in many
instances due to inadequate geographic coverage, quantity, and quality of the data produced by
current global and regional observing systems. Most of the problems occur in developing
countries, where lack of funds for modern equipment and infrastructure, inadequate training of
staff, and the high costs of continuing operations are often the major constraints. Decision
5/CP.5 in 1999 invited the GCOS Secretariat, in consultation with relevant regional and
international bodies, to organize regional workshops to facilitate improvements in observing
systems for climate.
The central goals of the GCOS Regional Workshop programme are:
•
To assess the contribution of the region to GCOS baseline networks;
•
To help participants understand guidelines for reporting on observations to the
UNFCCC;
•
To identify national and regional needs and deficiencies for climate data (including
needs for assessing climate impacts and conducting vulnerability and adaptation
studies; and
•
To initiate the development of a Regional Action Plan for improving climate observations.
1
For example, establishment of a Global Terrestrial Network for Hydrology (GTN-H) is now underway,
involving GCOS, GTOS and WMO Hydrology and Water Resources Programme. Equally, the climate
component of GOOS is the ocean component of GCOS and the WMO-IOC Joint Commission on
Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) is coordinating the observing system elements
common to both GCOS and GOOS.
3
The seventh GCOS workshop,2 involving countries in Central Asia,3 was held in Almaty,
Kazakhstan from 24 to 26 May 2004. GCOS organized this workshop with the assistance of
Kazhydromet and in association with the UNDP-GEF National Communication Support
Programme. The Global Environment Facility/UN Development Programme, the United States,
the United Kingdom, and Japan provided financial support. Directors of National Meteorological
Services and national climate change coordinators from 11 countries in and adjacent to Central
Asia were invited to attend.
Workshop participants were requested to assess climate observing networks and data
management systems in Central Asia and define critical issues and priorities that should be
addressed in a Regional GCOS Action Plan. Subsequently, a follow-up meeting to prepare this
Action Plan was held in Yerevan, Armenia. The draft Plan was circulated widely across the
region for review, and this final version of the Action Plan represents a broad consensus on
regional priorities in Central Asia and actions needed to address them.
The primary focus in this Action Plan is on the designated GCOS global networks, but it is
recognized that improving denser regional networks also contributes to GCOS and will enhance
national capabilities to address domestic climate issues and requirements.
1.1
The Regional Context
Central Asia as considered in this Action Plan is a vast, topographically and climatically varied
region extending from the north coast of the Arctic Ocean southward to the Himalayas and from
the east coast of Black Sea eastward through western China and Mongolia (Figure 1, below).
2
Previous workshops were held in Samoa (April 2000), Kenya (October 2001), Costa Rica (March 2002),
Singapore (September 2002), Niamey (March 2003),
3
Participating countries were Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic,
Mongolia, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
4
The region includes extensive tundra and forest (taiga) areas with permafrost, large plateaus,
mountain zones, and desert and semi desert areas. Some countries are landlocked. One
country, Russia, has a long coastline bordering the Arctic Ocean.
As the aggregate of different meteorological patterns, the following types of climate may be
distinguished in Central Asia: the tundra climate (associated with the cold, treeless plains of the
Arctic lowlands); the cold, sharply continental climate of Eastern Siberia; the cold, moderately
humid Western Siberia climate; the humid subtropical Kolkhida climate; the desert climate of the
temperate zone; the mountain-steppe highland subtropical climate; the alpine desert climate;
and the climate of the Eastern Pamirs, Karakoram Mountains and Tibetan Highlands.
The climate of the coastal regions is directly influenced by the prevailing ocean circulation. In
the northern part of Russia, the climate to a large extent depends on the water structure and
circulation of the Arctic Ocean, where two current systems prevail: the Trans-Arctic current that
starts in the Chukcha Sea and exits through the passage between Greenland and Spitsbergen,
and the large clockwise gyre that covers almost the entire Amerasian part of the Arctic Basin.
The Arctic basin is not only the heat inflow area but also the area where cold air masses headed
to the middle latitudes originate and the area affecting weather and climate conditions in Central
Asia.
Most national economies are heavily reliant on climate-impacted industries such as agriculture,
forestry, fishing, and tourism. Marine transportation is important on the coasts, and offshore oil
and gas exploration and production are underway in some areas. In consequence, vulnerability
to climate and its extremes is generally high throughout the region.
The countries of Central Asia are now striving for sustainable development of their resources.
This is generating increasing needs for observational data on all components of the climate
system. These data are needed to assist governments and industries in assessing their
vulnerability to climate variability and climate change and to take mitigating or adaptive
measures, such as improved agricultural planning, optimization of water supply systems, and
flood contral. Strengthening observational capacity in the region will, in consequence, assist
countries in meeting their respective social, economic, and environmental needs while also
contributing to addressing global issues.
In overview, several compelling reasons exist for the development of a regional GCOS Action
Plan for Central Asia. First, the global nature of climate requires ongoing cooperation among all
nations to freely exchange and share climate data. Second, budgetary restrictions or lack of
trained personnel make it impossible for many countries to undertake a full suite of climaterelated activities. Consequently, some coordination and sharing is desirable to avoid duplication,
reduce costs, and ensure that high quality climate data and products are available to users.
Finally, potential external donors may be more inclined to fund elements of a well-thought-out
regional plan to improve climate observations, services, and infrastructure than to fund
proposals from individual countries.
1.2 The Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of this Action Plan is to establish a framework for improving systematic monitoring
of the climate system in Central Asia within the context of GCOS and national commitments to
the UNFCCC and with respect to regional and national priorities. The specific goals of the
Action Plan are to:
5
•
Identify GCOS and related requirements for systematic observations of the climate
system from Central Asia;
•
Outline a strategy for subsequent implementation actions to rectify identified gaps and
deficiencies in existing networks and programs;
•
Contribute to meeting national requirements for systematic climate observations to
support national planning for adaptation to climate variability, climate extremes and
climate change, and for sustainable development;
•
Enhance coordination and synergy between observations, data management, and data
exchange and access programs and initiatives, both within and external to the region.
1.3 The Structure of the Plan
A principal focus of the Regional Action Plan is to address the highest priority climate observing
needs from the perspective of Central Asia as a whole. However, the Regional Action Plan also
reflects the priority concerns of important stakeholders and users of climate data. Key
stakeholders of the region are the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs).
Thus, important deficiencies in the functioning of the GCOS Surface and Upper-Air Networks
stations operated by the NMHSs are addressed in the Plan. Equally, however, other types of
climate observations are essential elements of GCOS. Consequently, priority needs of those
responsible for relevant ocean and terrestrial observing networks are included. Finally, the
requirements of users of climate data and derived products, such as national climate change
coordinators, are reflected. Thus, the Action Plan also addresses data management, data
exchange, archiving, and facilitation of access to observational data.
Reflecting the preceding discussion, the Action Plan:
•
Presents a condensed overview of climate observing programs, networks and data
management and exchange in the region, drawing attention to aspects where further
development is needed to meet GCOS requirements;3
•
Outlines a broad strategy aimed at ensuring that these programs and activities meet
GCOS standards and requirements;
•
Proposes specific enhancements to individual observational programs; to their
associated communications, data management, and access components; and to overall
regional infrastructure and capacity; and
•
Draws attention to some regional priorities that lie outside the fairly restrictive definition
of GCOS requirements and offers some suggestions for addressing these issues and
needs.
3
Examples could include situations where operational performance of stations does not meet required
standards, observational coverage is inadequate, communication and exchange of data is problematic, or
other significant deficiencies exist.
6
2.
THE CURRENT STATUS OF OBSERVATIONAL SYSTEMS IN THE REGION
2.1 The Atmosphere
Several global observational networks have already been identified for the atmospheric
component of GCOS, most notably the GCOS Surface Network (GSN) and the GCOS Upper Air
Network (GUAN). The Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW), which observes the chemistry of the
atmosphere, is also a component of the GCOS. These baseline atmospheric networks are
considered the minimum required for characterizing global climate. They represent a stable
and, it is hoped, sustainable underpinning for national networks that operate on finer temporal
and spatial scales. It is, in consequence, particularly important that stations in these global
networks operate continuously, produce high quality observations meeting GCOS standards,
and deliver these data and associated metadata in a timely fashion to the designated GCOS
data collecting and archiving centers.4
2.1.1 The GCOS Surface Network
The GCOS Surface Network of 981 selected surface synoptic stations is intended to provide
reasonably uniform global climate data coverage. The transmission of monthly GSN station
CLIMAT messages is through the Global Telecommunication System (GTS). Availability,
timeliness and quality of CLIMAT reports is monitored by the Japan Meteorological Agency
(JMA) and the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD). The US National Climatic Data Center (NCDC),
which acts as the global archive for these data and associated metadata, has built a GSN
database with Internet access.
There are 173 GSN stations located in Central Asia; these are listed in Appendix B - II. GSN
Monitoring Centre statistics show as of 1 March 2004 that no CLIMAT messages were received
from 48 stations, and that 8 stations were completely non-operational. Moreover, the NCDC
reports that, to date, it has received metadata information for only a minority of all designated
GSN stations. Therefore, action is needed to ensure reliable and timely transmission over the
GTS of accurate CLIMAT messages from all GSN stations in the region. Many of the GSN
stations in the region will also need to be upgraded to ensure that they are fully operational.
Furthermore, metadata for these stations must be supplied to the global archive and updated
periodically.
2.1.2 The GCOS Upper-Air Network
The Global Upper Air Network consists of 152 selected upper air stations and is intended to
provide reasonably uniform global radiosonde climate data coverage by the transmission of
GUAN station CLIMAT TEMP messages on the GTS from GUAN stations. Availability,
timeliness and quality of these reports are monitored jointly by the UK Meteorological Office
(UKMO) Hadley Centre and the US National Climatic Data Centre (NCDC). In addition, the
European Centre performs near-real-time operational quality control for Medium Range
Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). GUAN data and metadata are archived at the NCDC.
There are 18 GUAN stations located in Central Asia and these are listed in Appendix B - III.
According to Monitoring Centres statistics as of 1 January 2004 16 of 18 GUAN stations were
transmitting CLIMAT TEMP reports, while two stations (Ostrov Vrangelja and Ashgabat) were
4
The GCOS climate monitoring principles are detailed in Appendix B - I.
7
closed (Figure 2). Action is needed to rehabilitate these two GUAN stations. Some metadata
from each of the GUAN sites in the region are available in the NCDC archive. More metadata
are needed. Furthermore, updated metadata must be supplied to the global archive as changes
occur to equipment, procedures, or site locations.
Fig. 2. Availability of CLIMAT TEMP messages from GUAN stations according to ECMWF
2.1.4
Historical data collection
Another serious deficiency in the implementation of GSN and GUAN is the lack of historical data
from many of the stations. The NCDC is responsible for building a permanent data base of GSN
daily and monthly data submissions, along with the appropriate station metadata history, and for
providing free and open user access to this information via the Internet. Historical daily and
monthly CLIMAT-formatted GSN data were received (as of September 2003) at NCDC from 387
of GSN stations in 36 countries (Figure 3). Unfortunately, there are no historical data available
from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. This may be a technical issue, as
the historical data are either lost or not in a suitable form. In any case, of the 981 stations in the
GSN, historical data for only 30 per cent of stations are in the NCDC archive today, making the
GSN substantially less useful for long-term climate analyses. These historical data are
important to individual countries, to countries within the region, and to the global climate
community, and all attempts should be made to recover them.
8
Fig. 3. Availability of historical data sets at NCDC
2.1.5
Regional Basic Climatological Network
The Regional Basic Climatological Network (RBCN) and national observational networks in
Central Asia are considerably more extensive than is represented by the GSN and GUAN
stations. According to the results of monitoring World Weather Watch (WWW) implementation
(October 2003), 294 of 408 RBCN stations located in this region were transmitting CLIMAT
reports (Figure 4). Data from the RBCN and national networks are vital for many applications,
for example, to identify regional patterns of climate change, to support model downscaling and
re-analysis activities, and to provide long-time data series for monitoring and assessment of
climate behaviour in this particular region. Consequently, these broader networks must also be
sustained, and access to their data must be facilitated.
2.1.6 Global Atmosphere Watch
In order to predict climate change, it is critical to monitor the changing composition of
atmosphere as affected by the release of gases and aerosols through natural and man-made
processes. The WMO Global Atmosphere Watch was created in 1989 for systematic monitoring
of the atmosphere’s chemical composition and related physical parameters on a global and
regional basis and for development of a capacity to predict for future atmospheric states. To
build and maintain a GAW worldwide monitoring system, a network of stations has been set up
which consists of over 300 Regional and 22 Global stations, with additional observations made
at contributing and associate stations (Figure 5). The parameters measured include carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, total ozone, vertical ozone, surface ozone,
precipitation chemistry, carbon monoxide, the physical and chemical properties of aerosols, and
solar/UV radiation. To ensure consistency in the GAW monitoring network, Quality
Assurance/Science Activity Centers (QA/SACs), World Calibration Centers (WCCs), World Data
Centers (WDCs), and the GAW Training and Education Centre (GAWTEC) have been
9
established. The QA/SACs and WCC provide a system for common calibration and quality
assurance standards throughout the GAW system. The WDCs provide a depository for GAW
data and conduct initial analysis and assessment of the data. Training in the GAW
measurements system is provided in a number of ways: directly at the stations, through visits to
participating laboratories, at technical workshops, or through GAWTEC. In support of GCOS,
the GAW system must continue to promote quality ground-based measurements, but it must
also broaden its agenda and incorporate efforts to integrate ground- and satellite-based
measurements to lead to a better understanding of climate change.
precipitation chemistry, carbon monoxide, the physical and chemical properties of aerosols, and
solar/UV radiation. To ensure consistency in
Fig. 4. Availability of CLIMAT reports from RBCN stations
In Central Asia, on the basis of information listed in the GAW Station Information System
(GAWSIS), Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and
Uzbekistan have identified GAW regional stations in their respective countries. China, Mongolia,
the Russian Federation also have active GAW programmes. The Russian Federation, for
example, operates 27 ozone monitoring stations, four stations located on the coast of Arctic
Basin that monitor greenhouse gases, and 12 stations that measure precipitation chemistry.
China has one Global and 3 Regional GAW stations at its territory. The Quality
Assurance/Science Activity Centre for Asia and the South-West Pacific located in the Japan
Meteorological Agency is the focal point for the region and provides coordination specifically for
Asia. Other centers in North America and Europe also assist in the GAW network in the region.
10
14-Oct-2004
Miller projection - GAWSIS 2.1 (c) 2003 QA/SAC Switzerland
80oN
40oN
0o
40oS
80oS
180oW
120oW
60oW
GAW Regional Station
0o
60oE
Contributing Station
120oE
180oW
GAW Global Station
Fig. 5. Network of GAW stations
2.1.6 Overall Assessment for the Atmosphere
Timely exchange of quality-controlled CLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP messages is a fundamental
requirement for both GSN and GUAN stations. Monitoring statistics indicate that this
requirement is not being met at some stations in Central Asia. Consequently, the main priorities
relating to the GSN and GUAN stations in the region are to improve performance of the less
reliable stations, ensure timely transmission of CLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP messages, and
sustain the long-term operation of all of these stations. In the case of other regional and
national (non-GCOS) networks, there are specific concerns regarding low availability of CLIMAT
and CLIMAT TEMP messages from RBCN stations, since these data are necessary to identify
regional features of climate change. It is also important to extend observational networks and
programmes of observations at GAW stations to include the measurements of aerosol optical
depth, precipitation chemistry, and selected trace gases. Special attention should be given to
development of regional hydro-meteorological networks for climate purposes, in particular
rehabilitation of mountain stations in Central Asia.
11
2.2 The Oceans
The oceans are a major component of the climate system, modulating its behaviour and acting
as a source and a sink for important greenhouse gases. Since the polar regions, as the longterm observing and model calculations have shown, are the most sensitive to the climate
change, climate change studies in the Arctic Ocean area are extremely important to understand
the nature of climate change, in particular the changes that have been observed in recent years.
Arctic Ocean sea level is an indicator of atmospheric and ocean circulation dynamics, and, as a
result, of climate variability. Interannual variability of Arctic Ocean sea level appears to be
closely linked with climate dynamics in the North Atlantic. Arctic Ocean ice coverage (sea-ice
distribution and thickness) is another important global climate change indicator.
Oceanographic conditions have considerable socio-economic importance for peoples living in
the coastal zone of Central Asia who are heavily dependent on fishing, tourism, and marine
transportation and who face the specter of rising sea levels. The acquisition of systematic
observations of oceanic conditions including sea surface temperature, winds, waves, sea level,
surface and sub-surface currents, salinity and other parameters is, therefore, not only a vital
component of GCOS but also important in a regional context. These data are essential for
modeling and prediction of climate change, seasonal to interannual prediction, modeling and
research efforts aimed at predicting the future states of the oceans, and for various planning
and management applications related to economic activities and environmental conservation.
2.2.1 In-Situ Ocean Observing Networks – Present Status
The GCOS observational focus is on systematic, long-term, monitoring at global to regional
scales. Systematic, long-term, observational activities in the world's oceans have, until recent
years, been largely limited to surface parameters used in marine weather and sea state
forecasts and in sea level predictions. This situation is slowly changing, and the Global Ocean
Observing System (GOOS)5 is gradually developing into an ocean analogue of the World
Weather Watch. Under the umbrella of GOOS, an increasing number of systematic
observational activities are now underway that are of direct relevance to GCOS.
Unfortunately, in the past 10 years a sharp reduction of hydrometeorological observing stations
along the Arctic Ocean coast and on islands has occurred. Up to two-thirds of sea level
measurement stations have been closed, together with the simultaneous deterioration of the
quality of observations at the remaining points. Standard hydrological sections in arctic seas in
summer and ice surveys from aircraft along the Northern Sea Route have been stopped. The
total number of hydrometeorological stations has been reduced. In light of the above, it is very
difficult to carry out climate monitoring in the Arctic Ocean. The status of the observing
component in the western part of the North Pacific is better, although there is a lack of
hydrometeorological stations along the coast of Russia. It is therefore important to reactivate
existing stations and establish new sea level measurement stations under the aegis of the
Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS) program, extend the ice drifter network, deploy
ocean moorings, and conduct marine expeditions on board ships, icebreakers, and submarines.
5
The GCOS and GOOS programs collaborate closely with the climate element of GOOS being the
oceanographic component of GCOS.
12
2.2.2 Overall Assessment for the Oceans
An Arctic Ocean Observing System should be established as a part of GOOS (e.g., ArcticGOOS). This should include the reactivation of existing stations and the establishment new sea
level measurement stations; extension of the ice drifter network; deployment of ocean moorings;
conduct of marine expeditions on ships, icebreakers, and submarines; and national airborne
visual and radar patrols, supplemented by satellites with active and passive microwave sensors,
optical scanners, and sounding instruments. The establishment of additional tide gauge stations
on the western coast of the North Pacific would also be desirable.
2.3 The Terrestrial System
Terrestrial climate observations focus on properties and attributes that control climate
processes, are affected by climate, serve as indicators of climate change, or relate to its
impacts. As mentioned earlier, GCOS is collaborating with the Global Terrestrial Observing
System (GTOS) in addressing observational needs related to this component of the climate
system.6 The GCOS/GTOS strategy is to develop an initial observing system under the
umbrella of GT-Net - a system of observational networks and projects focused on particular
themes. Currently five such networks are under development – a Hydrology Network (GTN-H),
a Glacier Network (GTN-G), a Permafrost Network (GTN-P), an Ecology Network (GTN-E), a
Global Flux Tower Network (GTN-Fluxnet).7
A variety of terrestrial monitoring programs are currently underway in Central Asia. Some of
these are of particular relevance to GCOS and would contribute to the implementation of the
above networks.
2.3.1 Hydrological Networks
Hydrological networks in the region have been well developed since the 1980s and have served
for various purposes, in particular for water resources assessment in Central Asian states
(Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) where the amount
and quality of water are serious issues for sustainable development of these countries. The
most significant reduction of hydrological networks in these states occurred at the end of the last
century. Stations for observing mudflows, hydrological observations, and water cadastre units
were liquidated. Water balance studies and observation of hard flows were also stopped. By
2004 the network of hydrological posts had been reduced by 45 per cent on average for all the
Central Asian states indicated above.
In order to improve the present situation it is necessary to restore hydrological post operations
on major rivers, including transboundary ones, provide existing posts with modern hydrological
instruments and equipment, reactivate the operations of the water-balance stations, and
exchange hydrological data and cadastre publications, most importantly for transboundary water
reservoirs. Some actions have already been undertaken. National Meteorological and
Hydrological Services in the region are actively participating in the Aral Sea Basin Hydrological
6
Terrestrial observing networks for climate have not, in general, been developed to the same extent as
atmospheric networks.
7
In addition, GTOS-endorsed projects are addressing the Global Observation of Forest Cover (GOFC)
project and Net Primary Productivity/Net Ecological Productivity (NPP/NEP).
13
Cycle Observing System programme (Aral-HYCOS), which is aimed at documenting and
understanding the surface and groundwater resources of the region. The Regional Centre on
Hydrology has recently been established by five NMHSs in Almaty with assistance from the
Swiss Aral Sea Mission. The Russian Federation and China provide a large contribution to
hydrological networks in Central Asia. There are 3068 hydrological sites on Russian territory,
and 2119 runoff sites, 274 of which provide data for international exchange. China operates
3130 hydrological sites. The activities of all countries in Central Asia will underpin the evolving
GCOS Global Terrestrial Network for Hydrology (GTN - Hydrology).
Hydrological networks have also been established on major lakes of Central Asia to monitor
hydrometeorological conditions at these sites. There are more than 100 large lakes with water
areas exceeding 100 sq. km each in Central Asia. Nineteen of these are very large (not
including the Caspian and Aral seas), with water areas exceeding 1000 sq. km each. These
particularly large lakes store great amounts of water and play a role as indicators of climate
variation. The use of such lakes as indicators, however, is possible only when long-term
observations are available of the hydrological regime components vulnerable to climate
variation (water levels, water temperature, ice events, evaporation, water balance). In the
1980s, when hydrological networks on the lakes in Central Asia were most dense, hydrological
regime components were observed at 57 stations installed on 18 very large lakes.
Unfortunately, as a result of the changed political situation in the region, the former system for
observing hydrometeorological parameters has been largely paralyzed or destroyed.
Observational programmes at many lake stations have been reduced, the uniform monitoring
system on lakes has been separated into individual national networks when the newly
independent states were formed in the Caucasus and in Central Asia, and operation of these
networks is poorly coordinated. Also, there is no data exchange between them. The condition of
technical equipment at lake stations in Mongolia has also become worse. Hence, in order to
monitor regional climate change, there is a need to reconstruct lake monitoring stations,
especially on the largest lakes of Central Asia.
As for the Caspian Sea, the governments concerned (Azerbajan, the Islamic Republic of Iran,
Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan) have taken a number of measures to
address the acute problems. They have established a Coordinating Committee on
Hydrometeorology and Monitoring of Pollution in the Caspian Sea (CASPCOM). The Committee
has developed an Integrated Programme on Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Environment in
the Caspian Sea Region (CASPAS) that could contribute towards the establishment of a
regional system for the monitoring and exchange of relevant information on the state of the
environment. Some measures, as mentioned above, have been taken or are planned to be
taken by NMHSs regarding the Aral Sea.
2.3.2 Monitoring of Glaciers
Regular glaciological observations of the region’s glaciers started in the late 1950s under the
International Geophysical Year (IGY) work program. It was at that period that complex all-year
glaciological observing was organized at the Fedchenko (Pamir), Tuyuksu (northern TyanShan), Abramov (Gissaro-Alai), and Jankuat (Caucasus) Glaciers, as well as annual
observations at Shumsky (Jungar Alatau), Golubin, and Karabatkak (northern Tyan-Shan), and
other glaciers. At the same period regular field studies of the Pamirs, Gissaro-Alay, Tyan-Shan,
Jungar Alatau, Altai, and Caucasus glaciations started. The data acquired served as a basis for
compiling a mountainous country Glacier Catalogue. They were also summarized in numerous
scientific publications and in the World Snow and Ice Resource Atlas (1997). In the early 1990s
field studies practically stopped and observing at the Fedchenko Glacier was broken off. The
14
Abramov Glacier station was burned in 1998; regular observing at the Golubin and Shumsky
Glaciers also ceased. Continuous, year-round, glaciological-climatic observations continued to
be undertaken only by the Kazakhstan Institute of Geography at Tuyuksu Glacier on the
northern slope of the Zailiisk Alatau. This glacier has the longest (since 1957) year-round
specialized observational series in the whole of the former USSR. Just as for the Jankaut
Glacier, the Tuyuksu Glacier has been included in the Global Glaciological Monitoring network,
which data are published on a regular basis.
To expand the glaciological-climatic observing network in the mountains of Central Asia, it will
be necessary to establish comprehensive alpine zone monitoring, which apart from glaciers,
would include all other ice forms – snow cover, wind and avalanche snow, river ice, ice crust,
and subterranean ice. Ice and the more than 50 per cent of snow resources that are located in
the alpine zone (3000-3,200 m above the sea level) are the major sources of river runoff in the
region.
2.3.3 The Permafrost Monitoring Network
The Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost (GTN-P) was established in 1999 to provide longterm field observations of the active layer and permafrost thermal states that are required to
determine the present permafrost conditions and to detect changes in permafrost stability.
Permafrost measurements are particularly important for determining the long-term terrestrial
response to surface climate change. Permafrost monitoring for climate change includes
measurements of temperature profiles in perennially frozen ground and of the thickness and
temperature of the overlying active layer (seasonally thawing and freezing soil). For these
purposes a sufficient number of permafrost sites are required to monitor variations in active
layer conditions and ground temperatures near the surface and in deep boreholes in major
permafrost regions of the world.
Central Asia is the largest area of alpine permafrost in the world. The mountains of Central Asia
are a major regional source of fresh water for surface runoff, groundwater recharge, hydropower
plants, community water supply, agriculture, urban industry, and wildlife habitat. Central Asia is
included in water-stressed areas where projected climate change could further decrease stream
flow and groundwater recharge. At present, there are some 30 GTN-P monitoring sites in the
high elevations of Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China that are observing active layer
thickness/temperature and permafrost temperature. An additional 20 boreholes within the Inner
Tien Shan permafrost area could be considered as potential contributions to the GTN-P. A
large contribution to the permafrost monitoring network is provided by the Russian Federation,
which maintains 37 sites for measurements of seasonal soil melt and 19 sites for measurements
of ground temperature at depths.
For the further development of the GTN-P, it is recommended to continue expanding the Central
Asian permafrost network, to equip existing boreholes with modern sensors and loggers, and to
establish new sites (without borehole drilling) for monitoring the near-surface ground
temperature regime at different altitudes and landscapes. A database should be developed and
continually improved by combining the collection and analysis of long-term instrumental
observational data with data on spatial distribution of permafrost, ground ice, and glaciation. The
compilation of an alpine permafrost and ground-ice conditions map should be initiated over the
Tien Shan, Pamir, and Altai mountains of Central Asia, using existing geomorphic, hydrometeorological, geocryological, and borehole data, as well as aerial and satellite images.
15
2.3.4 Overall Assessment for the Terrestrial Component
Hydrological networks and related infrastructure in Central Asia must be enhanced and realtime hydrological monitoring improved to support more timely and accurate prediction of
droughts, floods and water resource availability for agriculture, power generation and other
uses. It is necessary to optimize the network of hydrological stations and restore hydrological
site operations on major rivers, including transboundary ones, provide existing posts with
modern hydrological instruments and equipment, reactivate the operations of the water-balance
stations, and exchange hydrological data and cadastre publications, most importantly for
transboundary water reservoirs.
It is necessary to re-open coastal and lake
hydrometeorological stations and conduct expeditions to monitor the Caspian Sea, Aral Sea,
and other large lakes in Central Asia.
As regards the development of a glaciological-climatic observing network, it is important to
resume all-year glaciological observing at existing stations and establish alpine zone glacialsphere monitoring (3000-3,200 m above the sea level), which apart from glaciers that would
include all other ice forms – snow cover, wind and avalanche snow, river ice, ice crust, and
subterranean ice.
It is recommended that the Central Asian permafrost network continue to be expanded, that
existing boreholes be equipped with modern sensors and loggers, and that new sites be
established (without borehole drilling) for monitoring the near-surface ground temperature
regime at different altitudes and landscapes.
Enhancing overall data quality and improving data management, data exchange, databases and
archives, and facilitating user access to data, must also be priorities in operating the above
networks.
2.4 Other Networks and Systems
2.4.1 Space-based Observations
Many GCOS requirements can only be met in a practical and cost-effective manner by the use
of space-based observations and satellite data and products. In particular, only satellite remote
sensing can provide consistent observational coverage over both individual regions and the
entire globe. In-situ and space-based observations are, however, complementary. Satellite
observations provide spatial coverage, while in-situ observations provide essential “ground
truth” for satellite data, in addition to their own intrinsic value and length of record.
Data from operational meteorological satellites (since 1970) and oceanographic satellites (since
1984) are used by the Russian Federal Agency on Hydrometeorology and Environmental
Monitoring (Roshydromet) on a regular basis to provide hydrometeorological services to
research, socio-economic, and other activities. Roshydromet has the most advanced ground
complex of satellite data receiving, processing and distribution centers at the federal level: SRC
“Planeta” (Moscow, Obninsk, Dolgoprudny), two regional centers West-Siberia (Novosibirsk)
and the Far-East (Khabarovsk), and a network of more than 60 autonomous data receiving
stations over Russia. SRC “Planeta”, the main Roshydromet center for receiving, collecting,
processing, archiving and distribution of satellite data daily receives and processes more than
50 GB of data. Its database contains meteorological, oceanographic and environmental satellite
data going back to 1979. In 2003, satellite data were used by SRC “Planeta” for mapping ice
conditions on seas, lakes and rivers; for monitoring snow and vegetation coverage; and for long-
16
term environmental change research. Specialized satellite data archives for the Caspian Sea,
Aral Sea, and Balkhash, Issyk-Kul, and Sevan Lakes and other lakes have been created. Since
1997 SRC “Planeta” has successfully conducted activities to automate satellite data receiving,
processing, and distribution systems and provided access to satellite data via the Internet. Many
users who need such data have no access to the Internet or have some restrictions on receiving
the full amount of data because of slow communication channels.
2.4.2 Overall Assessment for Space-based Observations
The enhancement of satellite data applications for climate purposes in Central Asia will be of
great value because it will allow estimation of changes of the environment on the basis of the
most up-to-date technologies for receiving, processing, and distributing present and archived
satellite data. The assessment of seasonal and inter-annual changes of soil-vegetation
coverage of arid zones in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, and southern Russia will
also be enhanced with satellite data applications, as well as the assessment of environmental
changes in the seas and large lakes in Central Asia.
Improvement of the use of satellite data and products for climate purposes in Central Asia is
very important but limited by lack of funding for the purchase of necessary equipment, lack of
qualified personnel, and absence of specialized archives of satellite data in NMHSs. It is
therefore necessary to initiate a project to improve satellite data applications for climate
monitoring and research.
3.0
REGIONAL COORDINATION AND ORGANIZATION
GCOS is a global program that is closely inter-linked with and reliant upon other global and
regional programs. It is being implemented through national contributions that are often
delivered by several different agencies within each country. Consequently, it is not surprising
that the need for effective coordination is a recurring theme at both international and domestic
levels. There is, however, no over-arching organizational infrastructure in Central Asia to
facilitate GCOS-related coordination. At present, no regional forum or centralized web site
exists to bring the various stakeholders together as a coherent group with a focus on systematic
observations of the total climate system. In addition, only few nations have designated someone
to coordinate climate system observing and data management issues across their government
agencies or to act as an interface between national, regional and global GCOS concerns.
3.1 Overall Assessment
The implementation of the present Action Plan will require close cooperation between the
nations of Central Asia in the common pursuit of initiatives and funding opportunities and to pool
capacities to achieve operational goals. A more coherent regional approach could yield benefits
in areas such as the purchase of equipment and consumables, maintenance of observing
systems, data management, and data access. It would also assist in optimizing the design of
observing networks and data management and archive systems; delivering training courses,
graduate and post-graduate studies, and other capacity building efforts; and in the planning and
conduct of research programs. The broad spectrum of agencies, institutions, and client groups
involved in climate system monitoring, data management, and applications within individual
countries also generates requirements for enhanced coordination at the domestic level. These
domestic and external requirements for cooperation and coordination must be addressed
through the establishment of appropriate GCOS coordination structures to facilitate the delivery
of capacity-building programs and initiatives; improve data access and exchange; minimize
17
duplication; and gain optimum regional benefits from investments in facilities, instrumentation,
telecommunications, human resources, and other contributing elements.
3.2 Recommendations
In order to improve coordination at national and regional levels, it is recommended:
1) To establish a network of focal points for the RBCN, and especially for the GSN and
GUAN networks. This will ensure the correct identification of stations in these networks
and their operation according to expected standards. After a validation process, the
same focal points would become the points of contact for the operation of the stations in
their host countries. These focal points could assist in the analysis of the causes of
problems at stations in their countries.
2) To improve coordination within individual countries among agencies that are engaged in
climate data collection or in related data management and exchange, and/or that are
users of data and derived products. The establishment of National GCOS Committees
in some countries in Central Asia would be appropriate.
3) To improve coordination among the nations of Central Asia through a network of subregional coordinators. Such network would facilitate the acquisition, exchange,
processing and application of climate system data to meet GCOS and regional needs. In
view of the large territory of Central Asia it is appropriate to divide it into four subregions, namely the Russian Federation, China, Middle-Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz
Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) and the Caucasus (Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Georgia). It is useful to select a sub-regional coordinator for each of these
sub-regions who can coordinate activities related to GCOS and communicate with other
sub-regional or national coordinators to assure overall coordination among the nations of
Central Asia.
4.0
SPECIFIC PROJECTS TO ADDRESS ISSUES AND REQUIREMENTS
An effective GCOS Regional Action Plan must first address global-level GCOS requirements,
aiming to ensure the long-term operation of the regional components of the primary GCOS
networks (e.g. GSN and GUAN) to established standards.
While this will contribute
substantially to meeting regional needs, a truly meaningful plan must also address other high
regional priorities. The following sections outline a series of strategic thrusts and specific
projects that will:
-
Significantly enhance the capacity of the nations of Central Asia to meet GCOS, regional
and national requirements for observations and related products to support climate change
detection, climate modeling and prediction, and climate impact assessments; and to assist
in planning for sustainable development and for adaptation to climate and its extremes.
-
Improve coordination among national institutions, agencies and individuals engaged in data
collection, data management, data exchange and production of related products and
services and with the community of users and user agencies.
-
Improve coordination across the region and with international programmes to ensure optimal
regional responses to GCOS and other requirements for climate data.
18
Substantial capacity building and investment in infrastructure must be undertaken in Central
Asia if the objectives of this Regional Action Plan are to be met. The following projects are
aimed at remedying critical deficiencies in the region´s systematic climate observation
programmes.
The Atmosphere
From a GCOS perspective, the most immediate priority in the area of atmospheric observations
is to ensure that GSN and GUAN stations in Central Asia operate to specified global standards,
relay their data in a timely manner, and are adequately funded to sustain their operations over a
long time period. More specifically, it is essential to ensure timely transmission of CLIMAT and
CLIMAT TEMP messages over the GTS, provide regularly updated metadata to the NCDC,
target these stations as priority sites for any needed upgrades, and maintain their operations
over the long term. The systematic archiving and provision of easy access to high quality, long
duration, historical time series of climate data are fundamental to the achievement of the
objectives of GCOS and to meeting regional needs. It is also necessary to extend observing
programmes at GAW stations as well as to rehabilitate a network of mountain stations. To
address these requirements, the following projects are planned:
19
Project No 1. Improving the GCOS Surface and Upper-Air Observing Networks in Central
Asia
Background: The GCOS Surface Network (GSN) and GCOS Upper Air Network (GUAN) are
two critically important meteorological networks within the Global Climate Observing System for
understanding climate change. There are 173 GSN and 18 GUAN stations within Central Asia.
However, observations from these stations are currently inadequate for the purposes of
detecting, attributing, monitoring and predicting climate change. More than one third of GSN
stations do not currently provide CLIMAT messages; 8 GSN stations and 2 GUAN stations are
silent (see Tables 1 and 2).
Table 1
GSN implementation in the region
Country
Number
Stations with Stations
GSN stations
CLIMAT
Without
CLIMAT
Azerbaijan
1
1
0
China
33
32
1
Georgia
1
0
1
Kazakhstan
14
14
0
Kyrgyzstan
1
0
1
Mongolia
10
10
0
Russia
103
55
42
Tajikistan
2
0
0
Turkmenistan 5
3
2
Uzbekistan
3
3
0
Total
173
118
48
Silent
stations
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
2
0
0
8
Table 2
GUAN implementation in the region
Country
Number
Stations with
Stations without Silent
GUAN stations CLIMAT TEMP CLIMAT TEMP stations
Armenia
1
1
0
0
China
8
8
0
0
Russia
8
7
0
1
Turkmenistan
1
0
0
1
Total
18
16
0
2
Many stations are not functioning adequately because funds are insufficient to acquire
equipment and to carry out day-to-day operations. In addition, there is lack of qualified staff to
operate and maintain equipment. As regards GSN stations, which belong to the Russian
Federation, WMO has recently received the proposal of ROSHYDROMET to revise the existing
list of GSN stations in Russian territory (as given in the Annex to this project), and this should
improve the transmission of CLIMAT messages in Russia. External assistance is needed for
one station (Naryn) in the Kyrgyz Republic to replace obsolete equipment and for two GSN
20
stations in Tajikistan (Khorog and Kurgan-Tyube) to ensure timely transmission of SYNOP and
CLIMAT reports by installation of telecommunication equipment. Other problems regarding
transmission of CLIMAT messages should be fixed at national level. As regards GUAN stations,
financial assistance is required to provide the station in Yerevan (Armenia) with necessary
equipment and expendables and to rehabilitate stations in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) and Ostrov
Vrangelja (Russian Federation).
The efficient operation of the GSN and GUAN is important for achieving the GCOS goal of
facilitating improvements in climate observations, leading to better:
•
•
•
Climate system monitoring, climate change detection and assessment of impacts of
climate change.
Accurate data for economic development.
Research related to climate activities.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) has recognized the vital importance of improving climate observing systems. At its
5th Session COP urged Parties to address deficiencies in the climate observing networks in
developing countries with a view to Improve collection, exchange, and utilization of data on a
continuing basis in pursuance of the UNFCCC goals and to develop the necessary capacity to
operate and maintain networks (Decision 5/CP.5). The UNFCCC’s Subsidiary Body for
Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) has noted with concern the ongoing deterioration
of global observation systems for climate. This has also been emphasized in the IPCC Third
Assessment Report.
The region is vulnerable to extreme climate events, which have adverse social-economic
impacts. The situation is worse over sparsely populated areas, mountains, deserts, oceans, and
those hit by natural disasters. Causes of deficiencies in the observation networks include:
•
•
•
Lack of financial resources to acquire equipment
High costs of consumables
Lack of qualified staff
The benefits of accurate and reliable data will assist in the alleviation of poverty and reduction of
food insecurity through application of climate outlook programmes.
For better understanding of global climate, it is important that the standards of operation of GSN
and GUAN stations are the same in developing countries as in developed countries. Uneven
distribution of data also leads to a bias in the performance of climate models and inhibits the
validation over data sparse areas.
Objective: The objective of this project is therefore to fully implement efficient, cost effective
and sustainable GSN and GUAN networks for Central Asia that can meet both global and
regional needs. Achieving this goal will require both the purchase of new equipment and
targeted capacity building.
The specific objectives include:
•
•
To assess, rehabilitate and/or automate the existing GSN and GUAN;
To build capacity related to operation, maintenance and repair;
21
•
•
To ensure continuous and timely transmission of data; and
To seek partnerships with other related services and end-users.
Location: Central Asia, in particular the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan for GSN stations and
Armenia, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan for GUAN stations.
Duration: 3 years
Project Design: The planned activities and expected outputs from this project are detailed in
the following table:
No.
Activities
Output
1.
Rehabilitate existing
GSN and GUAN stations
Improved, efficient and reliable
GCOS observing networks
(i.e., 100% of expected reports)
2.
Build capacity related to operation,
Sustained data availability
maintenance, and repair
3.
Ensure continuous and timely transmission
CLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP reports
Timely receipt of quality-controlled data sets
for users
4.
Establish partnership
Improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Implementation: The project will commence with preparation and submission by countries
concerned of the appropriate VCP requests regarding instruments and equipment for surface
observations and telecommunications means for timely transmission of CLIMAT messages from
GSN stations. As soon as potential donors are found and equipment delivered to countries
through VCP channels, the stations could start the transmission of CLIMAT reports as required.
For GUAN stations the process of implementation should start also with submission of VCP
requests; however due to the more complicated process of station recovery it will take longer to
see results than for GSN stations.
Risk and Sustainability: The long term sustainability of the upgraded networks is dependent
on successful capacity building and on continuing budgetary allocations that are sufficient for
purchase of consumables and payment of staff and other operational costs. Hence, the main
risks are associated with these key elements.
Indicative Budget: The following tables provide preliminary cost estimates for the various
components of this project.
22
1a. Rehabilitation of existing GSN stations
Country
Name of
station
Kyrgyz
Naryn
Republic
Tajikistan Khorog,
KurganTye
Experienced difficulties
Proposal for solution
Obsolete equipment
Replacement of equipment
and instruments
Installation of
telecommunication means
and of diesel-generator:
Lack of telecommunication
means and periodical cutoff of electricity
Radio station “Angara” and
antenna
Diesel-generator 5-6 kWt
or
Diesel-generator 24 kWt
Two batteries
Amount
(thousands
US$)
18,500
6,700
3,000
14,600
1,100
1b. Rehabilitation of existing GUAN stations
Country
Station
name
Experienced difficulties
Proposal for
solution
Armenia
Yerevan
Lack of consumables
Purchase
radiosondes
Russian
Federation
Ostrov
Vrangelja
Lack of consumables and need
for modernisation of upper-air
equipment
Turkmenistan
Ashgabat
Obsolete ground equipment and
lack of consumables
90% for purchase
radiosondes
10% for
modernisation of
equipment
Installation of new
ground equipment
Provision of
hydrogen generator
Provision of
consumables
radiosondes and
balloons
2. Capacity building related to operation, maintenance and repair
Attachments to personnel
3. Ensure continuous and timely transmission of CLIMAT and CLIMAT TEMP
reports
4. Establish partnership
Amount
(thousands
US$)
100,000
200,000
143,000
1,500
120,000
100,000
(see table 1a)
No costs
Total
708,400 US$
23
Authors of the project: O.Abramenko (Kazhydromet) and E.Sarukhanian (GCOS
consultant)
Annex to project 1
Revised list of GSN and GUAN stations located on the territory of the Russian Federation
INDEX
20069
20087
20292
20667
20674
20744
20891
20982
21432
21802
21921
21931
21946
21982
23074
23205
23330
23383
23405
23472
23552
23631
23678
23711
23724
23884
23891
23914
23921
23933
23955
24125
24143
24266
24329
24343
24382
24507
24641
24671
LAT
79 30N
79 33N
77 43N
73 20N
73 30N
72 22N
71 59N
70 58N
76 00N
71 58N
70 41N
70 46N
70 37N
70 59N
69 24N
67 38N
66 32N
66 53N
65 26N
65 47N
64 55N
63 56N
63 09N
62 42N
62 26N
61 36N
61 40N
60 24N
60 41N
61 01N
60 26N
68 30N
68 44N
67 34N
66 15N
66 46N
66 27N
64 16N
63 46N
63 57N
LON
76 59E
90 37E
104 18E
70 03E
80 24E
52 42E
102 28E
94 30E
137 52E
114 05E
127 24E
136 13E
147 53E
178 29E
86 10E
53 02E
66 40E
93 28E
52 16E
87 56E
77 49E
65 03E
87 57E
56 12E
60 52E
90 01E
96 22E
56 31E
60 27E
69 02E
77 52E
112 26E
124 00E
133 24E
114 17E
123 24E
143 14E
100 14E
121 37E
135 52E
STN NAME
Ostrov Vize
Ostrov Golomjannyj
GMO IM. E.K. FEDOROVA
Im. M.V. Popova
Ostrov Dikson
Malye Karmakuly
Hatanga
VOLOCHANKA
OSTROV KOTEL’NYJ
Saskylah
Kjusjur
Jubilejnaja
Chokurdah
OSTROV VRANGELJA
Dudinka
Nar'Jan-Mar
Salehard
AGATA
Ust'-Cil'ma
Turuhansk
Tarko-Sale
Berezovo
VERHNEIMBATSK
Troicko-Pecerskoe
Njaksimvol'
BOR
Bajkit
Cherdyn'
IVDEL’
Hanty-Mansijsk
ALEKSANDROVSKOE
Olenek
Dzardzan
Verhojansk
Selagoncy
Zhigansk
Ust'-Moma
Tura
Viljujsk
Tompo
24
GSN
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
GUAN
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
24688
24738
24817
24908
24959
24966
25173
25248
25325
25356
25399
25400
25538
25551
25563
25594
25705
25744
25927
25954
28009
28064
28138
28224
28275
28418
28493
28552
28698
28722
29231
29263
29282
29570
29612
29789
29862
29866
29939
30054
30230
30309
30372
30433
30554
30636
30673
30710
30758
30879
30925
63 15N
62 09N
61 16N
60 20N
62 01N
60 23N
68 54N
67 15N
66 33N
66 23N
66 10N
65 44N
64 13N
64 41N
64 44N
64 25N
62 27N
62 26N
59 39N
60 21N
59 22N
59 37N
58 31N
58 01N
58 09N
56 28N
56 54N
56 04N
54 56N
54 43N
58 19N
58 27N
58 23N
56 02N
55 20N
54 13N
53 46N
53 42N
52 41N
59 27N
57 46N
56 17N
56 54N
55 47N
54 29N
53 37N
53 45N
52 16N
52 05N
51 19N
50 22N
143 09E
117 39E
108 01E
102 16E
129 43E
134 27E
179 22W
167 58E
159 25E
173 20E
169 50W
150 54E
164 14E
170 25E
177 32E
173 14W
152 19E
166 05E
154 16E
166 00E
52 13E
65 43E
58 51E
56 18E
68 15E
53 44E
74 23E
63 39E
73 24E
55 50E
82 57E
92 09E
97 27E
92 45E
78 22E
96 58E
91 19E
91 42E
84 57E
112 35E
108 04E
101 45E
118 16E
109 33E
113 35E
109 38E
119 44E
104 19E
113 29E
119 37E
106 27E
Ojmjakon
Suntar
Erbogacen
Vanavara
Jakutsk
Ust'-Maja
MYS SHMIDTA
Ilirnej
Ust'-Oloj
EN’MUVEEM
Mys Uelen
Zyrjanka
VERHNE-PENZHINO
Markovo
ANADYR’
BUHTA PROVIDENIYA
SREDNEKAN
KAMENSKOE
BROHOVO
Korf
Kirs
Leusi
Biser
Perm'
Tobol'sk
SARAPUL
TARA
SHADRINSK
Omsk
Ufa
Kolpasevo
Enisejsk
Bogucany
Krasnojarsk
Barabinsk
VERHNYAYA GUTARA
HAKASSKAYA
Minusinsk
BIJSK-ZONAL’NAYA
Vitim
Kirensk
Bratsk
Chara
NIZHNEANGARSK
Bagdarin
BARGUZIN
Mogoga
Irkutsk
Chita
Nerchinskij Zavod
Kjahta
25
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
30949
30965
31004
31088
31168
31253
31329
31369
31416
31707
31829
31873
31960
32061
32098
32150
32252
32389
32540
32618
35011
35121
36259
49 34N
50 24N
58 37N
59 22N
56 27N
54 43N
53 04N
53 09N
52 25N
47 44N
47 19N
45 52N
43 07N
50 54N
49 13N
46 57N
58 30N
56 19N
53 05N
55 12N
52 26N
51 41N
50 01N
111 58E
116 31E
125 22E
143 12E
138 09E
128 56E
132 59E
140 42E
136 30E
130 58E
138 59E
133 44E
131 56E
142 10E
143 06E
142 43E
159 10E
160 50E
158 35E
165 59E
53 08E
55 06E
88 41E
Kyra
Borzja
Aldan
Ohotsk
Ajan
Bomnak
Ekimchan
Nikolaevsk-na-Amure
Im Poliny Osipenko
Ekaterino-Nikol'skoe
Zolotoj
DAL’NERECHENSK
VLADIVOSTOK
Aleksandrovsk-Sahalinskij
Poronajsk
Juzhno-Sahalinsk
Ust-Vojampolka
Kljuchi
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatchij
Nicol'skoe
SOROCHINSK
ORENBURG
KOSH-AGACH
26
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Project No 2. Meteorological observational data rescue and historical data collection for
GCOS stations.
Background: Within the framework of the Global Climate Observation System much attention
is given to the preparation of climate data to obtain climate change estimates in conducting
monitoring of the impact on the climatic system, including natural and anthropogenic factors, as
well as in characterizing extreme phenomena which are of importance for evaluating the
consequences of climate change and adapting to this change.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change
(UNFCCC) has noted the absence of high-quality data for climate-related purposes due to
inadequate territorial coverage and the low quality of data collected by the existing regional
observation systems.
No information from the meteorological stations of the Central Asian states that were part of the
former USSR has been made available for the historical database for GCOS stations.
The creation of meteorological historical data archives for the states of Central Asia that were
included in the former USSR has a common history and common problems. These problems
have been repeatedly discussed at regional meetings supported by WMO. The Regional
Meeting for Climatic Data Management and Data Rescue (Kyrgyztan, 14-19 April 2003)
discussed the current status of the problem of acquisition, processing, and accumulation of
current and historical meteorological data. The lack of data on modern computer-compatible
carriers for individual periods, the unreliable operation of the software of the applied climatic
database management systems, and difficult access to archived data require a complex
approach to solving the problem of historical database creation for GCOS stations in the region.
Objective: The objective of the Project is to create a historical database for GCOS stations in
the Central Asian region. To achieve this aim, a number of problems will be solved. These are
as follows:
• Acquisition (rescue) of historical data for GCOS stations and recording of these
data on modern computer-compatible carriers;
• Formation of historical data sets in the “Climat” format;
• Formation of metadata sets of the appropriate stations;
• Elimination of inhomogeneity from the series of meteorological elements which is
related to modifications in observation procedures and data processing,
replacement of instruments, etc.
• Regular update of data sets with current information.
Location: The states of Central Asia that were included in the former USSR.
Duration: 3-4 years.
Project Design: At the Project preparation stage, questionnaires will be used to determine the
manner in which individual National Hydrometeorological Services will be involved.
•
The first part of the Project comprises the rescue of historical data on out-of-date
computer-compatible carriers and in hard copies. In creating historical data series, it is
necessary to fill the gaps in meteorological data that appeared at different stages of the
data archive creation (e.g., in transferring the data from punch cards to magnetic tapes
27
and from out-of-date magnetic tapes to present-day computer-compatible carriers). In
each country the implementation of this part of the Project is a function of the state of
national data archives.
•
The second part of the Project will be the creation of historical data sets in the “Climat”
format and metadata sets for GCOS stations in the region on the basis of recovered
historical data archives. In creating historical data sets, special emphasis should be
given to data quality control and elimination of data inhomogeneity. The reasons for data
inhomogeneity in the states of Central Asia are similar in many respects. These are
modifications in observation procedures (e.g., different frequency of observations),
replacement of instruments (e.g., rain-gauge by precipitation gauge), modifications in
data processing procedures (e.g., introducing corrections in precipitation observations
due to wet instruments), etc.
•
The third part of the Project will allow the regular update of data sets with current
information and will introduce unified climatic database management systems into
National Hydrometeorological Services in accordance with the resolution of the Regional
Meeting for Climate Data Management and Data Rescue (Kyrgyz Republic, 14-19 April,
2003).
Expected Outcomes: High-quality historical database for GCOS stations in Central Asia and,
metadata sets of the appropriate stations.
Implementation: The Project will begin as soon as the funds are available.
Project coordinator: All-Russia Research Institute of Hydrometeorological Information – World
Data Centre (Roshydromet).
Risk and Sustainability: An integrated approach to the creation of historical data sets will
make it possible to obtain high-quality climatic data sets that meet the GCOS requirements.
Indicative Budget:
№
Expense items
1.
Creation of data archives on modern computer-compatible
carriers (rescue of historical data on out-of-date carries)
1.1. Creation of meteorological data archives for Georgian
stations
2.
3.
Creation of historical data sets in the «Climate» format. Creation of
metadata sets of the appropriate stations.
2.1. Creation of historical data sets for GCOS stations in the Central
Asian regions from the start of observations to 1991. Filling the gaps
in meteorological data using sources (tables of observations).
Creation of metadata sets of the appropriate stations.
2.2. Creation of historical data sets from 1991 up to the present time.
Creation of metadata sets of the appropriate stations.
Removal of inhomogeneity from meteorological data series which is
caused by changes in observation and processing procedures,
replacement of instruments, etc. for GCOS stations in the Central
28
Amount (USD)
20,000
520 (for one
meteorological station)
150 (for one
meteorological station)
18,000
4.
5.
Asian regions.
Ensuring the regular update of data sets with current information.
Implementation of unified climatic database management systems
(CDBMS) into National Hydrometeorological Services (NHGMS)
according to the resolution of the Regional Meeting for Climate Data
Management and Data Rescue (Kyrgyztan, 14-19 April, 2003).
For NHGMS:
4.1. CliWare program package
4.2. Hardware
4.3. Implementation expenditure
Project coordination and management expenditure
20,000 -Russia will
provide this package
within the framework of
the VCP
10,000
2,000
18,000
TOTAL (see note below)
Note:
The total amount of project costs will be determined based on the number of
participating countries and number of stations included in historical data sets.
Author of project: O. Bulygina, (VNIIGMI-World Data Center B, Roshydromet)
29
Project No 3. Strengthening the GAW network in Central Asia (increasing measurements
of aerosol optical depth and precipitation chemistry)
Background: The WMO Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) is a base component of GCOS.
Observational information produced under the GAW programme is a very important source of
data on chemical composition and physical properties of the atmosphere at global and regional
scales. This information is widely available and is one of the key sources for interpretation of
and understanding current climate and for assessment of possible climate changes in the future
through modeling. The GAW program includes observation of physical and chemical
parameters like greenhouse gases, ozone, reactive gases, aerosol optical depth (AOD),
precipitation chemistry (PC), etc. GAW has advanced international infrastructure, which ensures
a high quality of observational information, archiving of data, and easy access.
There is a generally lack of GAW observational sites in the central parts of continents, and this
is particularly true with respect to Central Asia, one of the biggest continental regions of the
planet. At present, only one global GAW station is functioning in the extreme South - in Tibet,
China. Additionally, three regional GAW stations are in operation in other parts of China. The
observational programme at these stations includes measurements of AOD and PC, while in the
rest of the territory of Central Asia, there are no other stations (according to the reference GAW
information system (GAWSIS)) measuring AOD and PC. This is a large gap in observational
data coverage that has global significance. The launching of a programme to measure AOD and
PC at GAW stations in Central Asia is therefore extremely important.
Measurements of aerosol optical depth and precipitation chemistry were made in the former
USSR for a few decades prior to the early 90s. The data obtained were regularly delivered to
GAW World Data Centers (WDSs). This was terminated in the early 90s due to a lack of
resources for quality assurance support and, consequently, some doubts in data quality. By
now, the main infrastructure elements of the observational system in Central Asia are retained
for AOD and PC measurements. In particular, some PC laboratories recently restarted their
participation in intercomparisons conducted by the GAW World Calibration Center on PC
(Albany, USA). In order to maintain past experience taking AOD measurements, an
approximate determination of AOD is continuing at present at several Russian stations by using
a traditional technique of wide-range filter measurements of direct solar radiation.
Reestablishing/strengthening AOD and PC observations in Central Asia and setting up new
GAW stations is of great importance for a number of reasons. First of all, Central Asia is a
unique region. It is a large continental area located in the middle of Eurasia having diverse
weather and climate conditions. This region is therefore under the influence of continental
climatic factors and of the Arctic and, at the same time, less affected by influence of the world
ocean. Large deserts and forest areas are prominent features of the region. Besides, average
population density is relatively low in most parts of the Central Asia region and, as a
consequence, anthropogenic impacts on the environment are relatively low in most parts of the
region. Therefore, a significant part of Central Asia is a natural indicator of the spatial and
temporal patterns of AOD and PC that are significant for understanding global and regional
climate changes and for developing approaches to mitigate related risks.
NMSs in Central Asia have the potential to organize in a relatively short time the
reestablishment and/or increase of AOD and PC measurements if necessary funding is
provided. Strengthening AOD and PC measurements could be made separately for each type of
observation. If necessary, the GAW project could therefore be presented as two relatively
independent sub-projects: sub-project 1 on AOD and sub-project 2 on PC. In the sections
30
below, where sub-projects have small differences, a common description is given for both subprojects. In sections where such differences are significant, a description of sub-projects is
given separately. Nevertheless, joint realization of both sub-projects as an integrated project
would increase sustainability and decrease related risks.
Objective: Sub-project 1 (AOD) and Sub-project 2 (PC)
•
•
•
To develop an observational system for AOD and PC at GAW stations in Central Asia;
To create the technical and personnel prerequisites for long-term reliable functioning
through re-equipping selected operational GAW stations and launching new
observations at functioning meteorological stations on the basis of participation of
interested countries, coordination of their activities, and technical support provided by
sponsors; and
To establish technical opportunities for the long-term transmission of high-quality AOD
and PC data, its archiving and uninterrupted delivery to GAW World Data Centers, and
to ensure free access of data via the internet for non-commercial usage.
Location: The project encompasses a network of 10 - 15 selected stations and central
laboratories of this network. A preliminary list of candidate stations is applicable for both subprojects and includes the following (transliteration from Russian in Russian alphabetic order):
Berezinski Biospherny Zapovednik, Voeikovo, Ilchir (or (Mondy), Lovozero, Ostrov Beringa,
Ostrov Kotelny, Pamyatnaya, Pik Terskol, Ra-Iz, Salemal, Teriberka, Turukhansk, Ust-Vym,
Khamar-Daban, Khuzhir. This list of stations could be extended by participating countries;
however the total number of selected stations for each sub-project should not be more than 15.
The station list may be somewhat different for each sub-project and be defined more accurately
after the project is launched.
The central body of sub-project 1 (AOD) will be the scientific laboratory at the Main Geophysical
Observatory of ROSHYDROMET in St. Petersburg (Russia). This laboratory will ensure
scientific guidance for implementing the project and for continuing operations.
The central bodies of sub-project 2 (PC) will be the Main Geophysical Observatory, St.
Petersburg (Russia) and the Institute of Hydrometeorology, Tashkent (Uzbekistan).
Duration: Sub-project 1 (AOD): 1.5 years.
Sub-project 2 (PC): 2.5 years.
Note: The longer duration of sub-project 2 is based on the more difficult tasks required
to ensure high quality performance of multi-component precipitation sample analysis at
group laboratories.
Project Design: For each sub-project an observational network will include 10 to 15 stations
and central laboratories for scientific guidance of project implementation and operations. A
preliminary list of stations and laboratories is given in the “Location” section). The following
steps will be taken for each sub-project:
•
•
An examination of every candidate station to estimate its acceptance for the purposes of
each sub-project and to make corrections of the candidate station list if necessary.
Development of a technically specific design of the observation network for both subprojects (for the whole project or for each sub-project separately).
31
•
•
•
•
•
•
Installation of equipment and infrastructure required at stations (measurement devices,
laboratory equipment, computers and general/special software, communication
channels, data management system).
Preparation of documentation on equipment maintenance and operating stations.
Justification/calibration of instruments.
Training of personnel.
Conduct pilot observations at newly established stations and make final adjustment of
observation technology as an integrated cycle (from measurements to archiving data
and delivering it to users).
Launching of regular observations at newly established stations following WMO GAW
standards and transmission of data to GAW World Data Centers and other users;
organization of data archiving and storage at stations and at sub-project central
laboratories.
Implementation: When a decision to accept the project is made, a joint steering group will be
established to manage both sub-projects as an integrated project (in total, 5 specialists), or two
steering groups to manage each sub-project (3 specialists for each sub-project). A steering
group(s) should develop an adjusted cost estimate of the project (or sub-projects), and a
detailed schedule of project implementation following the Project Design. These will be
submitted to participating countries for approval. During project, implementation, the steering
group will co-ordinate its activities with corresponding bodies of NHMSs, GAW, and GCOS.
Expected outcomes: As a result of the implementation of the project (or sub-projects) an
observational network will be developed with modern instrumentation and related equipment to
measure AOD and PC under GAW standards. This network should be in operation for a long
time, produce high quality data delivered to World Data Centers, and be easily available to other
end-users (for non-commercial purposes). The data will meet requirements of the international
scientific community and the national research and operational needs of countries in Central
Asia, enabling them to adapt to climate change/climate variations and to decrease related risks
to life and property.
Risk and Sustainability: The main risks of project (or both sub-projects) implementation are:
•
•
•
Recruiting station staff of required skills and experience;
Assurance of uninterrupted and long-term functioning of the observational system;
Establishment and maintenance of a quality assurance/quality control system.
These risks could be decreased through:
•
•
•
Selecting and training specialists and creating related good labor conditions;
Accepting by national government agencies obligations to assure the long-term regular
functioning of the observational network in operation in each country;
Developing, with international support, a system of data quality assurance, including
intercalibrations and periodical specialist training.
Project sustainability is connected, first of all, with national and international guarantees of longterm stable funding, as well as stable financial support of the network launched from
corresponding national sources. To ensure sustainability of national obligations, governments
should accept NMHS requests. Continuous support of WMO and other international institutions
is also important to ensure sustainability. Bilateral partnerships could be important resources.
32
Indicative Budget:
Custom taxes and transportation costs are not accounted in cost estimates below.
Sub-project 3.1 (AOD):
Amount (USD)
1. Equipping observational stations
(15 stations - $ 30, 000 each station)
$ 450, 000
2. Equipping a scientific laboratory
$ 20, 000
3. Training staff of stations and scientific laboratory,
including preparation of documents on equipment maintenance
and station operation
$ 20, 000
4. Sub-project management (18 months - $ 1, 000 monthly)
$ 18, 000
Sub-total:
$ 508, 000
Sub-project 3.2 (PC):
1. Equipping observational stations
(15 stations - $25, 000 each station)
$ 375, 000
2. Equipping two central analytical laboratories and a scientific laboratory
(2 analytical labs - $ 100, 000 each one, scientific lab - $20, 000)
$ 220, 000
3. Training specialists of stations including preparation of documents
on equipment maintenance and station operation
$ 10, 000
4. Sub-project management (30 months - $ 1, 000 monthly)
$ 30, 000
Sub-total:
$ 640, 000
Total:
$ 1,148, 000
Author of the project: S. Chicherin (Main Geophysical Observatory, Roshydromet)
33
The Oceans
The development of a systematic, long-term, ocean observing system is essential to support
climate modeling and prediction and to assist the nations in the region to improve their
capabilities to manage their coastal and ocean environments. As previously mentioned, the
establishment of an Arctic Ocean Observing System would be appropriate in this context. This
proposal is already included in the Framework for the International Polar Year 2007-2008.
Hence, there is no necessity to launch a specific project on this issue in the GCOS Action Plan
for Central Asia.
Terrestrial Systems
The systematic observation of the hydrological regime in Central Asia is a regional GCOS
priority. To address this priority, it is planned to undertake a regional assessment of monitoring
networks for surface water and groundwater (including glaciers and permafrost), identify
network gaps and other deficiencies, and prepare specific projects to address these needs as
follows:
Project No 4. Improving hydrological networks on major rivers in Central Asia
The project includes four interrelated sub-projects, each addressing the issue of improving
hydrological observations on the main rivers of Central Asia. All components (sub-projects) can
be implemented as one integrated project; however, it is possible to implement each sub-project
separately, depending on funding conditions. The total budget for the four sub-projects is
1,126,000 USD.
Sub-Project 4.1. Rehabilitating the operation of high-mountain stations in the Aral Sea
Basin
Background: Water discharged to the Aral Sea Basin is formed in the Central Asia Mountains
and derived mainly by snow and glacier melting. As result of the collapse of the USSR and of
acts of terrorism, many high-mountain stations have been closed. Information from these
stations has significant importance not only for river discharge forecasts but also for assessment
of climate change. The stations were operating in a complex regime. Besides an observational
programme, they have carried out research on glaciological, climatological, and hydrological
processes. At present, the political situation is more stable; however, the economic constraints
do not allow rehabilitation of the whole complex of observations. As the economies of Central
Asia countries, especially their agriculture and energy sectors, depend on water resources,
rehabilitation of high-mountain stations is very important for socio-economic development.
According to a regional agreement under the aegis of the Executive Committee of the
International Fund for the Aral Sea (EC IFAS), rehabilitation of high-mountain stations is a high
priority.
Objectives:
•
•
•
To select 3-4 representative stations for recovery of hydrometeorolgical observations.
To determine station representation on the basis of regional and global observation
needs.
To transmit observational data to global data and information centers.
34
Location: Stations to be rehabilitated are situated in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and
Tajikistan; however, the information from these stations is very important for Turkmenistan and
Uzbekistan as well. The stations are located in the Amudarya and Syrdarya river basins in the
West Tien-Shan and Pamir Mountains at altitudes of more then 3000m (Abramov, Fedchenko,
and Golubin glaciers).
Duration: The duration of the project is 2 years. Rehabilitation activities will take place in
summer; observations will be made throughout the year.
Project Design:
Rebuilding (funding will be partially covered by the IFAS).
Installation and testing of equipment and instruments for observations.
Recovery of operational telecommunications.
Implementation: The project will be implemented under the patronage of the Regional
Hydrology Centre established by officials of the NHMSs of Aral Sea Basin countries under the
aegis of IFAS and the Swiss Aral Sea Mission (SASM).
Expected Outcomes:
•
•
•
•
•
Improvement of hydrological observations in countries of the region;
Development of hydrological research for global analysis;
Improved calibration of global atmospheric models;
Improved climate prediction capabilities;
Information for analysis of the impacts/implications of climate change.
The specific outputs expected from the project will be:
•
•
•
•
•
•
An increase of the number of stations transmitting data in real or near-real time;
Establishment of an operational hydro-meteorological database at national and regional
levels;
Integration of all NHMS of the region in an electronic communication system;
Training of NHMS personnel in installation, operation, and maintenance of data
transmission systems, as well as in processing and database management systems;
Use of data and products to meet national and regional requirements for environmental
programmes.
Improvement of the means for hydro-meteorological services in the region to address
socio-economic development.
Risk and Sustainability: As the project will be implemented within the framework of the
Regional Hydrology Centre (RHC) under aegis of IFAS and serves the economic and political
interests of the five the Aral Sea Basin countries, its sustainability has been determined by
agreement of governments of these countries. The rehabilitation and maintenance of stations is
of benefit to all the economic sectors. Observational data from the stations will be distributed
among the organizations concerned, including to global networks dealing with climate and
glacier processes. Inclusion of the stations into the ARAL-HYCOS allows an opportunity to
maintain stations in an operational mode and to supply them with additional equipment.
35
Indicative Budget:
Activity
No
Rehabilitation of existing
stations
Training for station personnel
1
2
Output
Stations in operational mode
Trained staff
Installation of equipment for Data transmission in operational mode
transmission of data
Project coordination and
Efficient project management
management
3
4
Total Project Cost
5
Costs
(USD)
300,000
20,000
50,000
30,000
400,000
Sub-Project 4.2. Rehabilitating the operation of lowland hydrological stations
Background: Development of an observational network for lowland rivers is necessary for
global monitoring of river discharge, which in turn will allow the assessment of the dependence
of dynamic discharge on climate change. In this case, lowland river discharge serves as an
important indicator of climate change.
Objective: To rehabilitate complex hydrological observations at lowland stations on the
Selenge and Kherulen Rivers and exchange the observations at the global level.
Location: Mongolia (Selenge and Kherulen Rivers, four hydrological posts).
Duration: 2 years.
Project Design:
Build and rehabilitate stations.
Install and test of equipment for observations.
Rehabilitate the operational telecommunications network.
Implementation: The project will be implemented under auspices of the NHMS of Mongolia.
Expected Outcomes:
•
•
•
•
•
Improvement of hydrological observations in Mongolia;
Development of hydrological research for global analysis;
Improved calibration of global atmospheric models;
Improved climate prediction capabilities;
Information for analysis of the impacts/implications of climate change.
The specific outputs will be:
36
•
•
•
•
An increase in the number of stations transmitting data in real or near-real time;
Establishment of an operational hydro-meteorological database at national and regional
levels;
Training of NHMS personnel in installation, operation and maintenance of data
transmission systems, as well as in processing and database management systems;
Improvement of hydro-meteorological services in the region for socio-economic
development.
Risk and Sustainability: As the project serves the economic interests of the Central Asia
countries, and information from these stations will be distributed among all interested parties, its
sustainability will be determined by the support of countries in the region..
Indicative Budget:
No
Activity
Output
1
Installation of data logger
2
Installation of an automatic Automatic system of data transmission
system of data transmission
through satellite and mobile communication
15,000
3
Modernization of discharge Modern water discharge measuring
measuring instruments Modern system
water discharge measuring
instrument
Repairing work at the station
Hydrological station in full operational
mode
21,000
4
Data logger in operation
Amount
(USD)
8,000
10,000
5
Training of personnel
Trained staff
5,000
6
Coordination
project management
Efficient project management
5,000
Total For one station
Total Project Cost For four stations
64,000
256,000
Sub-Project 4.3. Hydrological Data Rescue for Central Asia
Background: A substantial volume of hydrological data has been collected in Central Asia to
meet the requirements of operational flood forecasting, disaster prevention and preparedness,
water resources management, etc. However, most of these raw, unprocessed data still exist in
37
non-electronic media and mainly in paper form. To ensure the preservation of these records at
risk of being lost due to the medium’s deterioration, an efficient and sustainable data capture
programme needs to be undertaken. Updated hydrological data in electronic form will greatly
enhance and facilitate the exchange of hydrological data to meet the needs of regional and
global climate research. All Hydrological Data will be transmitted to the Global Runoff Data
Centre (GRDC) in Koblenz, Germany.
Objective: To convert to digital format all water-related data that can help address gaps in the
existing surface data collection networks for climate variability research. The hydrological data
to be included in this endeavour are those considered to have met GCOS requirements.
Project Design: The project consists of the following major activities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Inventory hydrological data that need rescue. This will be done in consultation with the
different water-related agencies of five countries.
Assess the computer hardware and software needs of each NMHS.
Assess the level of training required in each country for the proper and efficient
implementation of the project.
Data recovery and digitization of raw, unprocessed hydrologic data, involving:
- conversion of hydrological data in strip charts into electronic form,
- scanning of all valuable data recorded in field books or in paper format to
preserve the original information.
Quality control or validation of all digitized or scanned data prior to archiving.
Data archiving using a predetermined standard format.
Provision of a backup copy of the data using a CD ROM
Secondary data processing through the application of hydrologic database software.
Location: Regional Hydrology Center (RHC) and NMHSs
Duration: 4 years
Expected Outcomes:
•
•
Updated hydrologic database by conversion of all raw, unprocessed data into electronic
form for easy access.
Availability of hydrologic information for regional data exchange to meet the
requirements of research in the fields of hydrology and climatology.
Implementation: A Regional Hydrology Centre under the guidance of EC IFAS will coordinate
the efforts of all NMHSs concerned. The representative of each country will supervise the
implementation of the project at the national level. Progress reports are to be submitted
regularly to the designated regional coordinator for the proper monitoring of data rescue
activities. The needs of the project are the following for each NHMS:
- A personal computer with CD ROM and R/RW disk drives (at least one)
- A digitizing tablet
- An A3 scanner with software capable of producing editable output in a form that can be
easily transported to any database software for secondary processing.
- Digitizing software (arcInfo, arcview)
- Hydrological database software (e.g., HydroPro)
38
Training on the use of the hardware (i.e., digitizer, scanner, digital camera) is necessary. This
can be in the form of an in-house training program. There is a need for an extensive training on
the software to be utilized to ensure the smooth and continuous implementation of the project.
The training programs can be conducted by the RHC.
Risk and Sustainability: To ensure the sustainability of the project, commitment must first be
established on the RHC. The provision of manpower for the project may not pose any problem
to the countries concerned. The problem will lie in the lack of funds to replace hardware that has
deteriorated.
Indicative Budget:
No
Activity
Output
1
Installation
of
equipment Computer equipment
Computer equipment
2
Training staff
3
Installation of equipment of data Data communication system in on-line
communication
regime
Coordination and management Efficient project management.
of the project
4
5
Cost
(USD)
200,000
Trained staff
Total Project Cost
60,000
10,000
30,000
300,000
Sub-Project 4.4 Public relations Unit
Background: GCOS emphasizes community awareness that promotes attraction of donor
organizations and decision-makers and facilitates visibility of NMHSs in each country.
Objective: To organize a special subdivision at the Regional Hydrology Center of Central Asia.
This subdivision will conduct activities for community awareness and prepare popular issues for
newspapers, magazines, and TV broadcasts.
Location: Regional Hydrology Center with Executive Committee of the International Fund for
the Aral Sea (IFAS).
Duration: 3 years.
Project Design:
• Office organization.
• Establishment of relations with the press.
• Holding workshops and meetings, including workshops for youth and students.
39
Implementation: The project will be implemented under the patronage of the Regional
Hydrology Centre established by officials of the NHMSs of the Aral Sea basin countries under
the aegis of IFAS and the Swiss Aral Sea Mission (SASM).
Expected Outcomes:
•
•
Increased awareness of decision makers and communities.
Attraction of additional resources to improve NHMS activities.
Risk and Sustainability: As the project will be implemented in the framework of the Regional
Hydrology Centre (RHC) under aegis of IFAS, and as it serves the economic and political
interests of the five the Aral Sea Basin countries, its sustainability is assured by agreement of
the governments of these countries. Community Awareness reflects interests of NHMS of the
five the Aral Sea basin countries.
Indicative Budget:
No
1
Activity
Output
Office organization. Acquisition
of equipment – computers, Office of press of RHC
scanner, fax, telephone and etc.
Amount
(USD)
100,000
2
Holding workshops and meeting Workshops, meetings
at various levels
50,000
3
Design and establishment of the Website of RHC
Website of RHC.
10,000
4
Publication preparation
10,000
5
Total Project Cost
Publication in newspapers, magazines,
broadcast, TV
170,000
Authors of the project: S. Myagkov and N. Sagdeev (Uzhydromet)
40
Project No 5. Adaptation of hydrological observations at very large lakes in Central Asia
to the assessment of climate change
Background: Large lakes are planetary water bodies where water storage is subject to minor
variations from year to year. Therefore, variations in water storage in large lakes over long time
intervals (tens to hundreds of years) may serve as an indicator of changes in the climate
system. There are more than 100 large lakes with surface areas exceeding 100 sq. km in
Central Asia. Nineteen of these lakes are very large (non including the Caspian and Aral seas)
with water areas exceeding 1000 sq. km each. These particular very large lakes contain great
amounts of water and play a role as climate change of indicators. However, the use of such
lakes as indicators is possible only in cases of available long-term observations of the
hydrological regime components vulnerable to climate variation (water levels, water
temperature, ice events, evaporation, water balance).
In the 1980s, when the hydrological network on the lakes in the Central Asia was most dense,
hydrological regime components were observed at 57 stations installed on 18 very large lakes
within the region. Dates of the start of observations differ greatly; the earliest observations were
started in 1898 on Lake Chany. Many lake stations were established during the 1950s and
1960s. After the disintegration of the USSR, the lake hydrological network was reduced
throughout post-Soviet territory, including on very large lakes. This was accompanied by
deteriorating technical equipment at the stations. Observation programmes at many lake
stations were reduced. The uniform monitoring system of hydrological observations on lakes
was separated into individual national networks when the newly independent states were
formed in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Operation of these networks is poorly coordinated
both technically and
methodologically. There is no data exchange between them. The
condition of the technical equipment of lake stations in Mongolia has become worse. Creation
of a modern lake network on the very large lakes in Central Asia for monitoring regional climate
change will require restoration and reconstruction of observation stations, primarily on lakes in
the former USSR Republics within Central Asia, in Armenia, and in Mongolia.
Objectives: The main purpose of the Project is to organize a Regional Network of Lake
stations on very large lakes in Central Asia for monitoring climate change (RNL-Climate) as a
regional GCOS network. To achieve this purpose, the following basic objectives will be met:
•
•
•
•
•
Development of basic documents (RNL-Climate concept on the basis of the existing
national networks and Project Implementation Plan).
Restoration and reconstruction of fifteen lake stations on ten very large lakes in Armenia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, and Russia.
Assessment of the condition of historical data archives for very large lakes in the region
(data available, observation periods, format of data presentation, available data bases,
etc.); start of conversion of historical data archives on very large lakes (including
information in routine forms) to computer formats.
Establishment of the RNL-Climate data bank as a part of the International Data Centre
on Hydrology of Lakes and Reservoirs (located at the State Hydrological Institute,
St.Petersburg, Russian Federation ).
Determination of information intended for an exchange among NMHSs in near-real time;
development of regulations for this exchange and regulations for delivery of selected
information to appropriate GCOS data banks at regional and international levels.
41
Location: The regional RNL-Climate network will encompass 18 very large lakes of Central
Asia, from the Caucasus (45º EL) in the west to the Maritime Territory (132º EL) in the east and
from Taimyr peninsula (74º NL) in the north to the Great Plain of China (30º NL) in the south.
This network of very large lakes is distributed within all main climate zones of Central Asia, i.e.,
the arctic zone (Lake Taimyr), the temperate zone (Lakes Chany, Baikal, Balkhash, Khanka,
etc.), the subtropical zone (Lakes Poyang-Hu, Dongting-Hu, Tai-Hu, etc.), and the mountain
ranges of the Caucasus, Tien Shan and Nan Shan (Lakes Sevan, Issyk-Kul, and Koko-Nor). All
the countries in the region with available hydrological stations on very large lakes (Armenia,
China, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Mongolia and Russia) will be invited to participate in the project
implementation. Contributions of each country to the project will be different. Recovery and
modification of hydrological observing systems are required primarily for the national
hydrological services of those countries which were formed after the disintegration of the USSR
(i.e., Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, and Russia) and Mongolia. Basic financial support is to
be given to solve this particular problem. Comprehensive archives of historical hydrological
information for very large lakes are available in these countries including magnetic tapes and
tabular forms; therefore, these data are to be presented in a computer format and are to be
used for the Project. All countries with available hydrological stations on very large lakes are to
be invited to further development of the Concept, Implementation Plan, solution of problems for
a mutual data exchange, and transfer of data to regional hydrological archives and global data
bases.
Duration: 4 years.
Project Design: The Project will be implemented on national and regional levels. On the
national level, the Project will be implemented through representatives of the NMHSs, who will
be responsible for the organization of work in their countries, for data transmission according to
regulations and reports to the regional level, for participation in the meetings on the Project, and
for decision-making on design and financial problems. On the regional level, structures for the
implementation of the following main objectives are to be generated:
-Scientific assistance to the Project, including preparation of the Concept and
Implementation Plan, as well as coordination with other projects within the regional
component of the GCOS for Central Asia.
-Implementation of particular events envisaged in the Implementation Plan of the Project,
preparation of reports and financial documents for the whole Project, coordination of
activities of the representatives of the national hydrological services.
To achieve the first objective, a Scientific Coordinating Council (SCC) of the Project will be
organized. It will consist of experts headed by the Chairman of the Council. The experts will be
responsible for the preparation of individual sections of the Concept and Implementation Plan.
The Project manager and donor organizations will be members of the Council. To achieve the
second objective, a managing group headed by the Project manager will be created. Technical
personnel responsible for particular items of Project implementation will be included in the group
(i.e., people responsible for technical network equipment, introduction of technologies for data
processing and dissemination, systems of data exchange, preparation of reports, and financial
documents, etc.).
The managing group will operate in close cooperation with the
representatives of the countries contributing to the Project.
42
Implementation:
The Project will be implemented as follows:
- Preparation of fundamental conceptual scientific, methodological and technical
documents determining the contents of the Project and means of implementation;
- Modification of 15 lake stations on 10 very large lakes within the territories of Armenia,
Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Mongolia, and Russia.
- Establishment of an RNL-Climate data bank as a part of the International Centre of Data
on Hydrology of Lakes and Reservoirs;
- Presentation of the first portion of the historical hydrological data archive for very large
lakes in the region in computer format;
- Organization of data exchange at close-to-real time among the Project contributors, as
well as a system of data transfer to the regional GCOS archives and appropriate
international organizations;
- Coordination of the activities of NMHSs related to Project implementation, convening of
workshops, meetings of the SCC, etc.
Expected Outcomes: In accordance with the objectives of the Project, its main outcome will
be the first stage of an updated regional subsystem RNL-Climate for the collection, processing,
storage, and delivery of hydrological data observed on very large lakes selected as indicators of
global and regional climate change. This subsystem will be an integral part of the GCOS
regional observation system in the Central Asia. The expected results of individual stages of
Project implementation are given below:
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Regional RNL-Climate network will include 57 lake stations on 18 very large lakes
with surface areas more than 1000 square kilometers in Armenia, China, Kazakhstan,
Kirghizia, Mongolia, and Russia (Table 1).
Fundamental scientific and technical documents on the Project (Concept and
Implementation Plan) will be produced.
Lake stations will be modified (up-dated technical facilities, equipment and computers)
on Lakes Ala-kol, Balkhash, Chany, Issyk-Kul, Khanka, Khar-us, Khubsugul, Sevan,
Taimyr, and Uvs (15 lake stations altogether);
The first stage of the RNL-Climate data bank will be established as an integral part of the
International Centre of Data on Hydrology of Lakes and Reservoirs, including the results
of past and current observations;
The first stage of a historical data archive of hydrological observations on very large
lakes of the region will be created in computer format, as an integral part of the RNLClimate data bank;
Data will be exchanged among the contributors to the Project and delivered to the RNLClimate data bank, to the regional data banks of the GCOS, and to other international
organizations, according to regulations.
43
Table 1 – The Regional Network of lake stations on very large lakes in Central Asia (RNLClimate)
Country
Armenia
China
Kazakhstan
Kirghizia
Mongolia
Russia
Russia, China
Total
Lake
Sevan
Dongting Hu
Koko-Nor
Lop-Nor
Poyang-Hu
Nam-Co
Tai-Hu
Ala-Kol
Balkhash
Issyk-Kul
Khobsugol
Khar-Us
Khyargas
Uvs
Baikal
Taimyr
Chany
Khanka
18 lakes
Water area,
sq.km
1360
6000
4220
3500
2700
2460
2210
2650
18200
6280
2770
1496
1407
3518
31500
4560
2500
4190
Total number of
stations
5
Start of
observation
1930
16
1930
4
4
1948
1903
4
1964
2
1
57
1898
Risk and Sustainability: Sustainability of the Project will depend on the quality and timely
preparation of fundamental Project documents, appropriate financial support, timely
implementation of obligations assumed by the NMHSs involved in the Project, appropriate
coordination, and operational control at each stage of Project implementation. Therefore, to
decrease the risk of a delay or poor quality of Project implementation or duplication in other
projects, the following basic positions are to be coordinated and officially fixed before the start of
the Project:
-
Project cost and main expense items, sources and regulations of financing, sponsors
and their obligations related to Project financing;
Obligations of the NMHS for Project financing, technical support, personnel, and design
of the Project;
Rights and responsibilities of the Project manager and his subordinates, terms of
reference of the SCC;
Scope and type of relations between other related global and regional projects (AralHYCOS, GTN-Hydrology, etc.).
44
Indicative Budget:
N
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Activities
Preparation of fundamental scientific and technical
documents on the Project (Concept, Implementation
Plan) by a group of experts
Modification of 15 hydrological stations on very large
lakes of the region
Establishment of the first stage of the RNL-Climate
data bank as an integral part of the International
Centre of Data on Hydrology of Lakes and
Reservoirs;
Transfer of the historical hydrological data to
computer format (first stage)
Organization of the system for data collection, data
exchange among contributors to the Project, and
data delivery to regional and international structures
of GCOS
Organization of workshops and meetings; expert
missions
Expenses for Project coordination and management
Cost (USD)
30,000
1,000 000
100,000
70,000
50,000
150,000
100,000
1,500, 000
Total
Author and coordinator of the project: V.Vuglinsky (State Hydrological Institute,
Roshydromet).
45
Project No 6. Glaciosphere Monitoring in Central Asia
Background: The term “glaciosphere” applied to mountain regions includes all ice forms –
seasonal snow cover, wind- and avalanche-formed snowfields, river ice, frazil, and underground
ice. Investigation of glaciosphere components in the mountains of Central Asia shows that they
can serve as reliable indicators of climate change. Stratigraphic glacier sections archive
information about climatic changes of past decades, whereas moraine sedimentations contain
information dating back hundreds of years. In Central Asia it is impossible to stabilize and
preserve any balance between the environment, economy, or society without finding solutions to
the problems of mountainous areas. The importance of the mountains to the countries of
Central Asia is defined by the following factors:
•
•
•
•
•
Though the population in mountain regions is not numerous, mountain resources and
the state of mountain ecosystems and processes in mountains directly or indirectly affect
the living conditions of an overwhelming part of the population of Central Asia;
Mountains are unique in Kazakhstan and in neighboring countries of Central Asia; the
overwhelming amount of renewable water resources is formed in mountainous areas.
For example, out of 56 km3 of surface water resources formed within the territory of
Kazakhstan, 47 km3, i.e., 70 per cent occur as runoff from the mountain rivers of the
south-east of the country;
The problem of pure water – a vitally important problem for the countries of Central Asia
– is also closely linked with mountains. This is especially true for Kazakhstan as most of
its rivers (the Irtysh, Ili, Ural, and Syr Darya) originate in neighboring countries and are
polluted by the time they reach Kazakhstan. In these conditions, runoff from melting ice
and snow in the mountains is practically the only source of fresh water;
All large rivers in Central Asia are formed in the mountains, but processes in the runoff
formation areas control river runoff at a distance of hundreds or thousands of kilometers
from the mountains and play a decisive role in irrigation and the economic tempo of vast
valley areas;
Mountain ecosystems contain unique flora and fauna that can serve as a kind of
guarantor enabling preservation and restoration of biodiversity in ecologically disrupted
ecosystems of non-mountain areas.
Mountain systems in Central Asia are showing more and more pronounced features of
degradation, which causes increasing concern. In many areas degradation is so severe that one
cannot rely upon self-regulation mechanisms to maintain ecological balance. The most vivid
occurrences of degradation include deforestation of mountain regions, desertification,
desiccation, and pollution of the environment. Among key needs of the mountain countries of
Central Asia are the following:
•
•
•
The assessment of snow and glacier resources of mountainous areas and their role in
runoff formation;
The assessment and prognosis of climatically-driven changes in contemporary glaciation
and snow cover dynamics in the runoff formation zone;
The assessment and prognosis of probable climatically-driven changes in snow and
glacier resources and their role in the hydrological regime, including in regions of
intensive usage of water resources.
Objective: To organize monitoring of the glaciosphere for the mountains of Central Asia
according to GCOS standards and requirements.
46
The monitoring programme includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Complex observations of the changes in main glaciosphere components (glaciers, snow
cover, wind- and avalanche-formed snowfields, permafrost, stony glaciers);
Selection of basin characteristics for carrying out long-term monitoring of contemporary
glaciation based on remote sensing technologies and periodic control using the groundbased measurements;
Creation of a test site for carrying out long-term high-altitude snow measurements at
mountain stations of the Institute of Geography, MES RK, in the basins of the Bolshaya
and Malaya Almatinka rivers;
Adaptation of ground-based methods used to measure characteristics of basic
glaciosphere components (spatial location, sizes and components of glacier mass
balance, dynamics of snow boundary, thickness and water equivalent of snow cover) to
use by remote sensing technologies;
Creation of a network of stations carrying out thermometric monitoring of seasonallyfrozen and permafrost soils and selection of several stony glaciers for long-term
monitoring;
Selection of typical mountain glacier basins for assessment of the glacier component of
river runoff formation (Northern and Western Tien Shan, Gissaro-Altai, Pamir);
Creation of a network for carrying out climatic monitoring in the glacio-nival mountain
belt in Central Asia by setting up automatic meteorological stations;
Installation of additional points for registering the temperature of seasonally-frozen and
permafrost soils (drilling wells to a depth of not less than 20 m with mounting gradient
systems for automated control of soil temperature – loggers).
Project design: The long-term glaciosphere monitoring program shall include a system of
observations of dynamics of the basic glaciosphere components - glaciers, snow cover and
snowfields. It is reasonable to single out monitoring of underground ice as a separate project.
Glaciers
The central place in glaciation and snow сover monitoring in the mountains of Central Asia
belongs to the system of complex observations carried out at the scientific permanent station
“Tuyuksu glacier” on the northern slope of the Zailiisky Alatau (Northern Tien Shan). It is the
only glaciological monitoring station where observations have not been terminated and it has
been in operation since 1958. Thus, continuous observations have been carried out at the
station for more than 46 years. Mass balance has been studied for more than 100 years.
In addition to Tuyuksu glacier, the proposed monitoring scheme may include the following
glaciers: Dzhankaut Glacier in the Caucusus, Aktru Glacier in the Altai (Russia), Shumskiy
Glacier in the Dzhunghar Alatau (Kazakhstan), Karabatnak Glacier in the Northern Tien Shan,
Abramov Glacier in Gissaro-Altai (Kyrgyzstan), Kalesnik Glacier in the Western Tien Shan
(Uzbekistan), Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan), Potanin Glacier in
Mongolian Altai (Mongolia), and Glacier No. 1 in the Eastern Tien Shan (China).
Year-round (Fedchenko and Abramov Glaciers) or regular (often annual) glaciological
observations have been carried out on all the above glaciers over several decades of the 20th
century. These were interrupted for various reasons in the 1990s, except at Glacier No. 1 and
Dzhankaut Glacier, where observations are still being made, and at Potanin Glacier, where no
observations have been carried out. The monitoring program proposed in this project implies
creation of an observation system based on remote sensing technologies with regular (i.e., 3-5-
47
year interval) ground-truthing of the results using data from ground-based measurements and
possibly a photo-grammetric control survey of glaciosphere objects. The glaciologiocal
monitoring data are to be supported by meteorological observations carried out at nearby
automatic weather stations and by hydrological observations at streamflow measurement
stations in the vicinity of the end of Tuyuksu Glacier.
Snow cover
According to the results of studies in Central Asia, more than 50 per cent of snow resources of
mountainous basins (the basic runoff component) are formed at an altitude of 3000-3200 m.
Unfortunately, there are no data of snow observations in this area. Therefore, this project
proposes organization of snow cover observations primarily in the high-mountain belt. The main
part of snow cover monitoring in the runoff-formation zone for the main rivers of Central Asia is
composed of data obtained through networks of NHMSs, including observations on snowmeasuring routes. Unfortunately the network of stations carrying out regular snow-measuring
observations is so rare that the results of those observations do not enable reliable
determination of snow cover in the most mountainous areas. Therefore, the only way to solve
this problem is to calculate the required factors. However, calculation of snowfall characteristics
for the high-level belt with the high accuracy required is still an unsolvable problem. Therefore, it
is necessary to carry out additional investigations of snow cover distribution and changes in high
mountains. Such investigations may be based on snowfall monitoring carried out at the
specially-created snow measuring test site organized at mountain stations of the Institute of
Geography (Kazakhstan), i.e., at “Tuyuksu Glacier” station in the Malaya Almatinka basin and at
the hydro-physical station “Bolshoye Almatinskoye Lake” in the basin of the Bolshaya
Almatinka, Northern Tien Shan). It is also important to periodically record the altitude of the
snow boundary by using remote sensing data for typical glacier basins in the Caucusus, Altai,
Dzhunghar Alatau, Tien Shan, Gissaro-Altai, and Pamir Mountains.
Underground ice
The common term “underground ice” refers to the buried parts of the tongues of modern
glaciers, remainders of the ice of retarded glaciers, ice formations of stony glaciers, and
seasonally-frozen and permafrost soils.
Currently, over 30 stations of GTN-P monitor permafrost in the mountains of Kazakhstan,
Mongolia, and China. Since the 1970s, a Kazakh high-mountain laboratory of the Institute of
Permafrost, Russian Academy of Science, has been carrying out observations of the
temperature of seasonally-frozen and permafrost soils in the B. Almatinka Basin in the Zailiiskiy
Alatau on a special test site having several wells of different depth. Unfortunately, only two wells
are equipped with a system of automatic temperature registration – loggers. The other wells,
equipped earlier with thermal resistors, need reconstruction and replacement of temperature
sensors.
Meteorology/Hydrology
To support glaciological observations by meteorological observations, it is necessary:
to provide Tuyuksu glacier station with a set of modern equipment needed to carry
out meteorological observations;
to set up automatic meteorological stations in the vicinity of Glaciers Dzhankaut,
Aktru, Tuyuksu, Shumskiy, Abramov, Karabatkak, Potanin, and Glacier No. 1 and
provide for faultless operation.
48
To monitor the runoff from the glacier basin and to evaluate the contribution of these glaciers’
runoff, it is necessary to set up a hydrological point in the vicinity of the end of Tuyuksu tongue
and, if possible, to equip it with modern equipment for runoff control.
Location:
Glaciers
It is proposed to include 10 glaciers in the glaciosphere monitoring system for Central Asia:
- Dzhankaut Glacier on the Caucasus and Aktru Glacier in the Altai Mountins (Russia);
Tuyuksu Glacier in Zailiiskiy Alatau (Northern Tien Shan) and Shumskoy Glacier in
Dzhungar Alatau (Kazakhstan);
Karabtkak Glacier in Terskey Alatoo (Northern Tien Shan) and Abramov glacier in
Gissaro-Alai (Kyrgyzstan);
- Kalesnik Glacier in Western Tien Shan (Uzbekistan);
- Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan);
- Potanin Glacier in Mongolian Altai (Mongolia);
Glacier No. 1 in the basin of the Dasigou river, Eastern Tien Shan (China).
Snow cover
It is possible to organize monitoring of seasonal snow-boundary dynamics based on remote
sensing data for all altitudes and not only for mountain basins where the above control glaciers
are located, but also in the neighboring mountainous regions.
Detailed snow cover monitoring with pilot investigations may be carried out at a specially
created test site for snow observations in the vicinity of stations of the Institute of Geography, in
the high-mountain part of the Malaya and Bolshaya Almatinka Basins on the northern slope of
Zailiiskiy Atatyau (northern Tien Shan).
Underground ice
In order to evaluate space-temporal temperature regime changes of permafrost soils in the
mountains of the region, it is planned to undertake the following steps:
-
to extend the existing network of temperature monitoring of seasonally-frozen and
permafrost soils in the Zailiiskiy Alatau by setting up additional observation stations,
the main ones of which will be 4 new wells of a depth up to 20m drilled in the vicinity
of Tuyuksu Glacier in the Malaya Almatinka Basin, Gorodetsky Glacier, and
Zhasalykezen Pass in the Basin of the Bolshaya Almatinka, with modern systems of
automated soil temperature control installed in the wells;
-
to set up similar monitoring stations in the vicinity of Dzhankaut Glacier in the
Caucasus and Aktru Glacier in the Altai Mountains, and to establish stations at two
acting weather stations in Central and Western Tien Shan and in the Eastern Pamirs.
With the realization of the above plan, the temperature monitoring network of seasonally-frozen
and permafrost soils will consist of 9 wells covering a wide area from the Caucasus in the west,
Pamirs in the south and the Altai Mountains in the east and north. It will enable the
characteristics of regional temperature changes in permafrost and its reaction to climate change
to be studied.
49
Duration: The glacioshpere monitoring programme will be developed over 3 years. This
monitoring may operate for a longer time if it receives adequate financial and organizational
support.
Expected outcomes:
Realization of the program will enable:
•
•
•
•
•
Factual information about the contemporary dynamics of the main glaciosphere
components of Central Asian mountains to be obtained;
Additional information about the glaciosphere-climate system and improved runoff
formation models that will enable estimates of probable changes in regional water
resources in the next few decades;
Estimates of the reaction of glaciosphere components (glaciers, permafrost, and other
forms of underground ice) on climate change;
Evaluation of the role of water resulting from underground ice melting (contained in
permafrost) in the runoff formation zone, and, based on these data, introduction of
corrections in probable climatically-driven changes in water resources in Central Asia in
the foreseeable future;
Evaluation of contemporary dynamics of snow-ice resources and refinement of models
interaction between snow cover and the climate and models of runoff formation.
The realization of the above plan of actions, with further glaciosphere monitoring, will
make a considerable contribution to the system of national and regional planning of adaptation
to climate change, especially the system of water resources management at national and
regional levels.
Risk and sustainability: Successful realization of the project primarily depends on funding of
planned work and support of the project by governments of member countries on the basis of
accepting corresponding national obligations and taking into account national and regional
interests. If adequate financial support is provided, the stability of glaciosphere monitoring in
the mountains of Central Asia will only depend on its execution, and thus its realization may be
guaranteed. Increased stability of research activities in the program could be provided by
involvement of the project executors in the development of international programs (projects) on
climate, hydrology, glaciology, geocryology, and sustainable development. One of the main
conditions of successful program realization is proper coordination of activities among national
groups and access of all project participants to the data generated by NMHSs.
Indicative budget:
Assessment of the current situation
Assessment of the existing system of observations and generalization of the data for the main
component of glaciosphere dynamics collected over the last decades should be undertaken at
the expense of organizations participating in the project.
Workshops
Organization of annual workshops with participation of the main executors aimed at coordination
of the program of observations, methods of measurement of studied glaciosphere
characteristics, and discussion of the results obtained would promote successful realization of
the program. To make such workshops efficient, 2-3 representatives from the working groups of
50
each country, that is at least 12-15 scientists and 2-3 WMO representatives (experts) should
take part in such seminars. The total cost of such seminars amounts to USD 80,000.
In order to approve the results of observations, it would be desirable to fund participation of at
least one project executor from each country every year in international symposia, conferences,
and seminars on the problems similar to the problems of the project. The total expenditures on
this item are 1,500 USD per participant per year, for a total sum for three years of 22,500 USD.
Thus, the total sum of expenditures on organization of workshops and participation of the main
executors in international conferences amounts to 102,500 USD.
Glaciers
The program of all-year-round glacier monitoring at «Tuyuksu Glacier” station requires 25,000
USD per year, or total expenditures for the three-year program of 75,000 USD.
To carry out remote sensing of other controlled glaciers (Aktru in the Altai Mountains,
Dzhankaut in the Caucasus, Shumskoy in the Dzhungat Aslatau, Karabatnak in the Northern
Tien Shan, Kalesnik in the Western Tien Shan, Abramov in Gissaro-Alai, Fedchenko in the
Pamir Mountains, Potanin in Mongolian Altai, and Glacier No. 1 in the Eastern Tien Shan) with
periodic correction of the results by using ground-based observations, will require 15,000 USD
per year for each glacier, or a sum of 405,000 USD for three years. Thus, total expenditure on
the program of glacier monitoring amounts to 540,000 USD for 3 years.
In addition to carrying out monitoring of glaciers and ice boundary dynamics in the controlled
basins, it is necessary to provide financing of 20,000 USD for each working group of the five
countries participating in the project. This sum is needed to purchase special software for
processing and analysis of satellite-based information and corresponding computer equipment,
with a possibility of its further modernization. Total expenditure on the above purposes for five
working groups amount to not less than 300,000 USD for the three years.
Meteorology/Hydrology
In order to support the system of glaciosphere observation with data on meteorological
observations, it is necessary to set up at least 8 automatic weather stations in the vicinity of the
controlled glaciers. Each station will cost 20,000 USD to install, plus a maintenance cost of
5,000 USD per year. The total sum of amounts to USD 280,000.
In order to provide the hydrological-control contribution of the glacier component to river runoff,
it is necessary to equip hydrological stations with special equipment for measuring runoff from
the Tuyuksu Basin in Zailiiskiy Alatau Mountains. The estimated amount needed for this
purpose amounts to USD 150,000.
Thus, the total sum of investment expenditure for the glaciosphere monitoring program in
Central Asia is USD 1,097,500.
51
The budget of the project may be presented in the following generalized table:
No
Purpose
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Glacier monitoring
Providing all-year-round monitoring on the “Tuyuksu glacier” station
Modern devices and equipment for the Tuyuksu glacier station
Monitoring of Aktru, Dzhankaut (Russia), Shumskoy glacier
(Kazakhstan), Karabatkak, Abramov glacier (Kyrgyzstan), Kalesnik
glacier (Uzbekistan), Fedchenko glacier (Tajikistan), Potanin glacier
(Mongolia), and Glacier No. 1 (China) glaciers.
Monitoring of high-level snowfall at stationary stations in the Malaya
and Bolshaya Almatinka Basins
Climate monitoring
Installation of 8 automatic weather stations
Operational expenses for the 8 weather stations
Hydrological support for glaciosphere monitoring (installation of a
hydrological station at the end of Tuyuksu Glacier)
Expenditure for organization of workshops and participation of the
members of project team in the international conferences/workshops
2
3
3.1
3.2
4
5
Total
Cost
(USD)
540,000
75,000
60,000
405,000
25,000
280,000
160,000
120,000
150,000
102,500
1,097,500
Organizational support:
Kazakhstan:
Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Education and Science, Republic of Kazakhstan
Russian Federation:
Institute of Geography (RAS, Moscow)
Department of geography of Tomsk University (Tomsk)
Mountain geocryological laboratory of the Institute of Permafrost Studies, Siberian Branch, RAS
(Almaty, Kazakhstan)
Kyrgyzstan:
Department of Geography of the Institute of Geographical Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic
Hydro-Meteorological Service
Uzbekistan:
Research Hydro-Meteorological Institute, Uzhydromet
Tajikistan:
Hydro-Meteorological Service
Institute of Water and Power-generation Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of
Tajikistan.
Author of the project: I. Severskyi (Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Education
and Science, Republic of Kazakhstan)
52
Project No 7. Permafrost Warming and Ground Ice as a Potential Freshwater Source in
the Arid Regions of Central Asia
Background: Atmospheric warming is predicted to be greater in polar regions than at lower
latitudes and more pronounced at high altitudes than in lowlands. Present atmospheric warming
particularly affects terrestrial systems where surface and sub-surface ice are involved. During
the past few decades, most glaciers in the Central Asia have experienced a substantial lost of
their mass. The area of Zailiysky Alatau Range (Northern Tien Shan) glaciers has been reduced
by 29.2 percent, and glaciers were retreating by 6-8 m per year during 1955-1990 (Vilesov &
Uvarov, 2001). A negative glacier net mass balance is typical for Central Asian glaciers and has
exceeded -300 kg m-2 year-1 (Aizen et al., 1997). During some years the net mass balance has
been as low as -515 kg m-2 year-1 (Dikih, 1997). Rough estimates show that glaciers have lost
up to 27 percent of their mass over the Tien Shan Mountains. The largest glacier recession
occurs in the northern and central Tien Shan of Central Asia.
The Central Asian region is the largest area of alpine permafrost in the world. The Central Asian
mountains are one of the major sources of fresh water for surface runoff, groundwater recharge,
hydropower plants, community water supply, agriculture, urban industry, and wildlife habitat in
this area. The hydrological systems of the Tien Shan watersheds are also different from those of
other mountain ranges, because they are closed drainage basins, and any changes in the water
cycle affect the water balances of the Aral, Balkhash and Issik-Kul Lakes and the Tarim River
basin. The closed drainage basins of the Tien Shan Mountains, the world’s largest, receive and
retain annually about 10 percent of the external atmospheric moisture transferred over Central
Asia (Shulc, 1965).
Climatic processes during the 20th century and especially during the last two decades have had
a great influence on the contemporary thermal state of permafrost. During the last 30 years
geothermal observations in the Tien Shan, western Mongolian sector of the Altai Mountains,
and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau indicate permafrost warming by 0.2-0.3°C for undisturbed systems
and up to 0.6°C of those affected by human activities. In the northern Tien Shan and Mongolian
Altai Mountains the average active-layer thickness has increased by 25 percent in comparison
with the early 1970s (Marchenko, 1999, 2002, 2003; Jin et al., 2000; Sharkhuu, 2003).
Central Asia is included in the water-stressed areas where projected climate change could
further decrease stream flow and groundwater recharge (IPCC, II, 2001). The Tien Shan and
Altai Mountains, which hold a vast snow pack, glaciers, and permafrost, constitute the main
source of fresh water shared by seven countries: Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, and China.
Mountain permafrost and associated periglacial landforms contain large quantities of stored
fresh water in the form of ice. The moraines, rock glaciers and other coarse blocky material
have especially high ice content (40-90% by volume). According to Vilesov and Belova (1984),
the total volume of surface ice over the Tien Shan Mountains is about 423 km3. The ground ice
volume is estimated about 320 km3, and this area includes rock glaciers, ice-rich moraines and
coarse blocky debris (Gorbunov & Ermolin, 1981). For comparison in the Alps the ground ice
volume is about 6 km3 within the altitudinal range of 2600-3000 m ASL (Barch, 1996). The
approximate evaluation shows that the quantity of water stored in ground ice in the Tien Shan is
comparable with the volume of modern glaciers in the same region. Under continuing warming
and glacier recession, the ground ice could increase future water supply, and the melt waters
from permafrost could become an increasingly important source in the near future.
53
The GTOS has identified permafrost as one of the key indicators of climate change (WMO,
1997) and initiated permafrost monitoring through the Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost
(GTNP) that is managed by the International Permafrost Association (Burgess et al., 2001,
2002; http://www.gtnp.org). Permafrost measurements are particularly important for determining
the long-term terrestrial response to surface climate change. Permafrost monitoring for climatechange study purposes includes measurements of temperature profiles in perennially frozen
ground and of the thickness and temperature of the overlying seasonally thawing and freezing
soil. For these purposes a sufficient number of permafrost sites are required to monitor
variations in active layer conditions and ground temperatures in near-surface and deep
boreholes in major permafrost regions of the world.
Analyses of long-term international permafrost observations in the Northern Hemisphere (Brown
et al., 2000) have shown that climate warming has had a profound effect on active-layer
thickness in middle latitude sites where high-altitudinal permafrost exists. While the increase in
permafrost temperature may change many of its physical properties, the major threshold occurs
when permafrost starts to thaw from its top down. The most significant impacts on permafrost
thermal states will be observed near the lower boundary of alpine permafrost, the region where
the frozen ground is very sensitive to changes in the surface energy balance (Harris and
Haeberli, 2003). In high-mountain regions, near-surface permafrost degradation will probably
accompany terrain disturbances and may lead to slope instability and permafrost-related
hazards (landslides, thermokarst, mudflows).
Many permafrost areas in Central Asia have not been mapped, or if they have been, the maps
are often not current, available only in hardcopy and possibly not available in a commonly used
coordinate system/datum. At present, except for the small-scale IPA permafrost map (Brown et
al. 1997), there is no uniform map of Central Asian permafrost conditions. Therefore, it is very
important to accurately map permafrost and ground ice distribution and to estimate their role in
water resources for this region.
Objectives: The main goal of the proposed research is to collect and analyze long-term
instrumental observational data in order to assess the interaction between glacier recession,
permafrost warming, and runoff, and to assess the volume of ground ice and permafrost
meltwater as a potential source of fresh water contributing to the water cycle over the Pamir,
Tien Shan, and Alatai Mountains using both terrestrial and remote sensing methods. For this
purpose we shall implement following tasks:
•
•
•
Collect, organize and analyze existing data on air temperature, precipitation, snow pack,
runoff, permafrost, and seasonally frozen ground borehole temperatures, active layer
thickness, and ground ice content.
Continue long-term permafrost monitoring and determine the impact of global warming on
the sensitive environment of mid-latitude alpine permafrost near its lower boundaries. Remeasure temperatures in boreholes that were drilled up to 30 years ago with modern
techniques, assess recent detailed thermal changes, and predict the potential future
geothermal impacts of climate warming in the Pamir, Tien Shan and Altai Mountains.
Establish new sites (without borehole drilling process) for monitoring the near-surface
ground (up to 5 m in depth) temperature regime at different altitudes and landscapes for
further model calibration and permafrost temperature regime computation.
Assess the volume of ground ice as a potential source of fresh water (and a contribution of
meltwater from permafrost) to runoff over the Tien Shan and Alatai Mountains, using both
terrestrial (radar, geomorphologic, geocryological) and remote sensing (aerial and satellite
images) methods.
54
•
•
Incorporate the Tien Shan and Altai borehole network into GIS and establish it as a part of
the WMO/FAO/IPA GTN-P database.
Initiate compilation of a regional map of mountain permafrost and ground ice conditions in
the mountain areas of Central Asia on a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) base map, with
potential to incorporate it into the IPA circum-Arctic map.
Location: For detailed research of the Tien Shan mountain permafrost and periglacial
environment we selected three data-rich basins with different morphological, glaciological and
periglacial characteristics. The investigated area encompasses two river basins in the central
part of the Zailiysky Alatau Range (Northern Tien Shan) and the Kumtor Valley in the Inner Tien
Shan.
Northern Tien Shan. The permafrost area to be investigated in the Northern Tien Shan is
located within two river basins (Bolshaya and Malaya Almatinka) and covers about 670 km2
within the altitudinal range 2000-4400 m. Modern glaciers occupy a total area of 28.29 km2
(Vilesov & Uvarov, 2001). There are five weather stations (operated since 1930s) at the different
altitudinal levels within the limits of this territory. One glaciological and two permafrost research
stations are located within these basins. Continuous observations of the mass balance of the
most representative glaciers (Tuyuksu Glacier) in the northern Tien Shan have been carried out
since 1958. Permafrost investigations have been carried out during the last 30 years within
selected area using a variety of methods including measurements of ground and spring water
temperatures, DC resistivity soundings, Bottom Temperature of Snow (BTS) measurements,
etc. There are 14 thermometric boreholes with depths ranging from 3 m to 300 m in different
landscape settings and at varying altitudes. It is necessary to note that some boreholes are not
available for temperature measurements now and their recovery is required. Detailed
information about cryogenic structures was made available during deep excavations (up to 10
m) near one of the research stations (3336 m).
Inner Tien Shan. Our permafrost investigations in the Inner Tien Shan during 1985-92 resulted
in permafrost temperature active-layer thickness records, cryogenic structures of frozen ground
descriptions, permafrost, ground ice, and periglacial landform distribution maps (Gorbunov et
al., 1986). Ground temperature measurements were carried out in 20 boreholes in the AkShiyrak massif (between 4000 and 4200 m), and in more than 25 boreholes in the Kumtor valley
(between 3560 and 3790 m) near the ‘Tien Shan’ weather station (3614 m). Permafrost
temperatures increased by 0.1°C from 1985 to 1992, both in the valley and the mountain massif.
There were no systematic long-term active layer measurements.
Altai. In the Altai Mountains, many boreholes were drilled for geotechnical or resource
exploration purposes in the 1960s and later, and some of them were used as short-term ground
temperature measurements sites. An initial survey identified about 2 boreholes in the Chuya
River Valley that could be used for thermometric measurements and considered a potential
contribution to the GTN-P project. In addition, part of the permafrost data for the Altai Mountain
area, collected during 1965-1972, (borehole temperatures, permafrost thickness, frozen ground
structure, etc.) were used for compilation of the Morphology and Permafrost Temperature Map
of Northeast and South Siberia (scale 1:2,500,000), compiled under the direction of I. A.
Nekrasov (1976). At present, the possibility exists to recompile the existing permafrost data for
the entire Altai Mountain region with much higher resolution, to assess recent changes in
permafrost through the replicated measurements of existing boreholes, and to produce a more
detailed permafrost map for this region employing GIS technology.
55
Pamir. Markansu River Valley, south slope of Zaalaysky Mountain Range and Karakul Lake
depression. Geocryological investigations were carried out in 1976, 1977, and 1979 by the staff
members of Kazakhstan Permafrost Laboratory of the Permafrost Institute of the Russian
Academy of Sciences. The main subjects of research were underground ice and permafrost.
Duration: 3 years, with potential continuation.
Project design: It is proposed to develop the project in the following directions:
• It is planned to involve a limited but representative number of boreholes in which
temperature logging equipment will be installed and previously interrupted ground
temperature observations will be re-established. These selected borehole observations
will establish a major new component to the GTN-P with the potential to monitor future
changes in permafrost temperatures. The measurements will contribute to the
WMO/FAO GCOS initiative as part of the International Polar Year (2007-2008) and
proposed IPA borehole initiative that is being planned as the IPA/IPY project Thermal
State of Permafrost (TSP). Borehole sites will be selected on the basis of (a) the current
status of the borehole; (b) information available on subsurface lithology; (c) availability of
previous temperature records and (d) site conditions with respect to access,
maintenance and suitability for long-term monitoring. New sites will be established
(without expensive borehole drilling) for monitoring the near-surface (up to 5 m in depth)
ground temperature regime at different altitudes and landscapes. It is also proposed to
install the loggers within the north- and south-facing slopes, which have a sharp
distinction in surface energy balance. The proposed data set will serve as a baseline in
the future to establish the rate of change of near-surface permafrost temperatures; to
lower boundaries of permafrost distribution in the high mountain regions; and to validate
models, climatic scenarios, and temperature reanalysis approaches.
• The radar method will be applied to ground ice volume estimation within the different
types of ice-saturated landforms, such as rock glaciers, moraines, buried ice, and coarse
debris. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is successfully applied in high-resolution
subsurface imaging to investigate targets buried at depths ranging from within the first
50 centimeters to approximately 100 meters for geological materials in favorable
conditions and to approximately 4 km in ice. Innovative MF techniques derived from
seismic exploration technologies allow improvement of imaging and characterization of
subsurface materials.
• Study of the effects of climate change on permafrost will be accomplished through
observations in changes of surface, ground, and air temperatures, active-layer
thickness, solid and liquid precipitation, and runoff. To assess runoff from permafrost,
hydrologic and meteorological data obtained from three specially equipped sites located
in areas without glaciers and data from different permafrost distribution types and ground
properties will be used. Data on runoff from permafrost and seasonally frozen ground,
water chemistry, soil thermal conditions, and local meteorological conditions will also be
used. Surface conditions will be characterized through physical measurements of
ground temperature and moisture content, temperature of melting water, active layer
thickness, precipitation, evaporation, condensation (inside of coarse debris) and air
temperature. Statistical methods of time series analysis will be used to assess the
temporal trends in the air and ground temperature, precipitation, and runoff records.
•
The topographic, geologic and landscape maps of the investigated areas will be digitized
and incorporated into the existing GIS. Vegetation and snow cover also will be
represented in GIS for further simulation needs. The regional thematic maps will be
56
•
available for compilation of a permafrost and ground ice distribution map. The Central
Asia Digital Elevation Model (DEM) will apply for mountain permafrost and ground ice
condition mapping. ASTER images covering an area of 60x60 km, with a pixel size of
15 m for 3 bands, will be used for incorporation into the GIS for further geomorphic,
landform and ground ice mapping.
Numerical freeze/thaw modeling will be applied to simulate the permafrost thermal state
and active layer freezing and thawing process (Marchenko, 2001, 2003; Romanovsky et
al., 2002; Sergueev et al., 2003). The model will be calibrated with existing borehole
data and data obtained from new sites for specific arid and semiarid climatic conditions
of intra-continental mountains. The Permafrost Group of the University of Alaska has
been working during the last few years on the accomplishment, verification, and
application of numerical models to permafrost thermal state estimation. The ground
temperature modeling allows us to reduce the project budget and avoid a very expensive
process of new borehole drilling.
Implementation: Coordination meetings with representative persons of the Kazakhstan Alpine
Permafrost Laboratory (KazAPL), Institutie of Geography (Kazakhstan), University of Alaska
Fairbanks (UAF), and Exploration Geophysics Group of the University of Trieste (EGGUT) will
take place annually. Immediately following the start of the project, an initial meeting will discuss
implementation details and the work program for the first field season, and progress within each
specified task will be reported and discussed in successive coordination meetings. Forward
planning for the next stages in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and research synthesis will, in
addition, form a critical part of coordination meetings. Compiling and submission of initial data
sets to the WMO/FAO/IPA GTN-P will be done annually. Task Leaders will submit written
reports to the GCOS Secretariat before each coordination meeting.
This project will also contribute to the International Permafrost Association Working Group
‘Mapping and Modeling of Mountain Permafrost’. Permafrost mapping and thermal monitoring is
of major international interest, and forms a significant theme at the annual Conference on Earth
Cryosphere (Russia) and AGU Fall Meetings (USA). Papers based on the outcome of the
present GCOS proposal will be presented at AGU and other international conferences. These
presentations will form the basis for scientific papers involving collaboration of team members,
to be published in scientific journals.
First Year.
Tien Shan.
o The work program for the first field season and planning for the next stages in fieldwork.
Teamwork at the Tien Shan GTN-P site locations, data collection, inspection and remeasurement of existing boreholes; data logger installation.
o Establishment of new sites for ground temperature monitoring with data loggers and
runoff from permafrost measurements.
o Scanning of ice-saturated landforms by GPR.
o Elaboration of details for the work program for the second year of the project; GIS
development and incorporation of the database into the GIS-project; report to GCOS.
Second Year.
Tien Shan.
Teamwork at the Tien Shan GTN-P site location, download data from loggers and
ollection additional data within the investigated areas.
57
Altai.
o Fieldwork at the Altai site locations; data collection, inspection and re-measurement of
existing boreholes; data logger installation.
o Establishment of new sites for ground temperature monitoring with data loggers and
runoff from permafrost measurements.
o Scanning of ice-saturated landforms by GPR.
o Chemical analysis of water samples.
o GIS-project development; incorporation of ASTER images into the GIS-project.
Pamirs.
o Establishment of new sites for ground temperature monitoring with data loggers.
o Analysis of data obtained; report of major findings.
Third Year.
Tien Shan, Altai and Pamir.
o Teamwork within Pamir, Tien Shan and Altai mountains, data collection and
analyzing.
o GIS-project development.
o Final Report to GCOS, preparation of publications.
Expected outcomes:
• Recent changes in permafrost thermal regime in the Central Asian Mountains will be
assessed in a quantitative manner. This knowledge will allow development of a reliable
glacier-permafrost related hazard assessment and an analysis of the vulnerability of high
mountain landscapes to climate change within the Central Asian region. The Central
Asian permafrost-monitoring network will be incorporated into a GIS and established as
a part of the GTN-P database. Collected historical data will greatly aid efforts to
understand the effects of global warming on regional climate, glaciation, permafrost, and
water resources.
• The basic features of interaction between permafrost and runoff in the Pamir, Tien Shan
and Altai Mountain areas will be revealed. Assessment of ground-ice volume and its
role in the future water supply provides an opportunity to elaborate a reliable plan for
adaptation to future water-stressed problems of Central Asia.
• A working draft of a permafrost and ground-ice condition map over the Pamir, Tien Shan
and Altai Mountains, with potential to incorporate it into the IPA circum-Arctic map will be
established. The developed GIS will have a practical importance for a linkage to climate
change and hazard assessment for the high-mountain area of Kazakhstan and adjacent
territories of Central Asia.
Risk and sustainability: Participation in the project of secondary collaborators, such as the
Institute of Earth Cryosphere (IEC) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Exploration
Geophysics Group of the University of Trieste (EGGUT), and the University of Alaska Fairbanks
(UAF) is strongly recommended. The success of the proposed project highly depends on the
support of international funds, and effort and activities of partners KazAPL, IEC, EGGUT, and
the UAF. It is proposed to realize the ground ice investigation together with the Exploration
Geophysics Group of the University of Trieste (lead by Prof. M. Pipan), which has been working
for the last ten years on implementation, test, and application of multi-fold Ground Penetrating
Radar (MF GPR) methods for subsurface exploration (it is among the few groups in the world
engaged in this research topic). The know-how acquired through extensive and successful
exploration programmes worldwide will be exploited in the framework of the present permafrost
58
exploration project, and dedicated hardware and software tools will be implemented to cope with
the peculiar subsurface conditions of the study area.
Participation in the Project of Dr. G. Gravis, (IEC) is also recommended. Dr. Gravis is wellknown expert on Russian and Mongolian Altai mountain permafrost. He took a part in the
Russian and Mongolian Altai expeditions and knows the Altai region very well. Dr. Gravis is the
author of the several permafrost maps of Southern Siberia, the Altai territory, and Mongolia. The
IEC Secondary Collaborator efforts will include: analysis and preparation of existing permafrost
data for the Altai region, participation in elaborating the detailed legend for the future
geocryological map, and permafrost distribution mapping.
Sustainability will highly depend on the selection of appropriate leaders. Ideally, the research
team should consist of experts in the field of geocryology, ground temperature measurement
techniques, data analysis, mathematical simulation, mapping, and GIS technologies. Task
Leaders will responsible for the development of the project. Active coordinating bodies should
be designated at international and national levels. Collaboration is recommended with other
international programs and working groups, such as the WRCP Climate and Cryosphere (CliC)
project, the Circumarctic Environmental Observatories Network (CEON), the International Polar
Year 2007-2008, the IPA/IPY Thermal State of Permafrost project, and IPA Working Groups
(Permafrost and Climate, Mapping and Modeling of Mountain Permafrost, and Model Intercomparison).
Indicative budget:
Materials, Equipment and Services
Costs
USD
1. GIS Software, notebook for downloading data during the field trips, GPS
2. Optic StowAway Onset Computer Corporation data loggers, HOBO U12
Stainless Temperature Loggers,15-Channel HOBO Weather Stations, soil
moisture and thermal sensors
3. ASTER satellite images and aerial photos, analysis and GIS
development
4. Site establishment for temperature observation, runoff from permafrost
measurements and water sampling, and hydro chemical analysis of water
samples
5. Existing borehole recovery and maintenance of borehole network
(purchasing and changing batteries for data loggers etc.)
Travel
Domestic Transportation (includes Per Diem and expedition expenses)
International Transportation (includes Per Diem)
Other Travel Expenses (e.g. visa fees, conference registration fees, etc.)
Total costs of the project
9,000
50,000
60,000
15,000
25,000
20,000
60,000
1,000.
240,000
Authors of the project: S. Marchenko (Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska
Fairbanks), A. Medeu (Institute of Geography, Ministry of Education and Science
Republic of Kazakhstan), A. Gorbunov (Kazakhstan Alpine Permafrost Laboratory,
Permafrost Institute, Russian Academy of Science)
59
Satellite-based observations
Project No 8. Improving satellite products for climate applications in Central Asia
Data from operational meteorological satellites (since 1970) and from
Background:
oceanographic satellites has been used since 1984 by the Federal Agency for
Hydrometeorology and Monitoring of the Environment of the Russian Federation (Roshydromet)
for the diagnostic and forecasting tasks of hydrometeorological services in support of scientific,
socio-economic, and other activities in Russia. As the observational network density is
decreasing (both for ground and for ocean observations), satellite data becomes the most
regular kind of meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic observations. Roshydromet
has the most advanced ground complex of satellite data receiving, processing, and distribution
centers, including three federal scientific and research centers (SRCs) (SRC Planeta (located
Moscow, Obninsk, Dolgoprudny), the West-Siberian Centre (in Novosibirsk), and the FarEastern Center (in Khabarovsk)) and a network of more than 60 autonomous data receiving
stations located over Russia. The main centre for satellite data reception, processing, archiving,
and distribution is SRC Planeta, which has the largest operational and archiving resources.
SRC Planeta receives and processes daily more than 50 GB of satellite data. Its archive
contains meteorological, oceanographic and environmental satellite data dating back to 1979.
The satellite data archive is used for regional and global climate change research. During
recent years, SRC Planeta has conducted the following projects on satellite data application:
ice-condition mapping on seas, lakes and rivers; vegetation monitoring and snow and ice
coverage; and long-term environmental changes. Satellite information products based on SRC
Planeta technologies have significantly increased in the last few years. For example, last year a
new technology for all-weather mapping of meteorological parameters was developed based on
data from NOAA satellites. It allows the study of snow and ice coverage on Russian seas,
precipitation (with estimation of medium and maximum intensity), and thunderstorm intensity.
Since 1997 SRC Planeta has successfully automated satellite data receiving, processing, and
distribution and the system for providing operational access to satellite data via the Internet.
Unfortunately, many users who need such data have no access to the Internet or do not receive
the full amount of data due to the low speed of communication channels. The enhancement of
satellite data applications for Central Asia will be of great value. Most regional economic
activities depend on climate conditions. Many GCOS regional tasks could be effectively
undertaken through the application of satellite data and products for climate purposes.
Objective: The goal of this project is to estimate environmental changes on the basis of the
most up-to-date technologies for receiving, processing, and distribution of real-time and
archived satellite data. The following tasks are to be undertaken in this project:
•
•
•
•
Estimation of seasonal and long-term changes of soil-vegetation cover on the test areas
of Kazakhstan, Kyrghyzia, Mongolia, and the arid zones of southern Russia on the basis
of years satellite and ground data sequences.
Estimation of changes in the long-term condition of seas and large lakes in Central Asia
(Caspian Sea, Aral Sea, Lake Balkhash, Lake Issyk-Kul’) on the basis of years of
satellite and ground data sequences.
Development of dedicated satellite databases and processing products and also of
ground observation data for selected tasks.
Upgrade satellite data delivery to end-users.
60
•
•
Exchange satellite and ground data between project participants.
Increase personnel skills in processing and application of satellite data.
Duration: 3-4 years.
Location: Russia, the countries of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan, and Mongolia require the satellite data.
NMHSs of Armenia, Kyrgyz Republic,
Expected results:
• Estimation of long-term environmental and regional climate changes on the basis of
archived and operational satellite data.
• Development of an effective and reliable system of satellite data distribution.
• Regular use of satellite data products by regional users.
Risk and sustainability: The sustainability of the project depends on obtaining funding for the
creation and support of particularized satellite data archives, upgrading and supporting satellite
data delivery means, raising personnel skills, etc.
Indicative budget:
№
Amount(USD) p/year
Expense items
1.
Creation and support of particularized archives
and databases of satellite information products
for selected regions.
50,000
2.
Data processing and delivery of satellite products
regional users.
25,000
3.
Analysis of long-term environmental changes of
selected regions.
25,000
Total
100,000
Author of the project: T. Burtseva (SRC Planeta, Roshydromet)
61
5.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
This Regional GCOS Action Plan has reviewed the status of GCOS implementation in Central
Asia. It has identified areas where improvements are needed in observing programs and
networks, and in related data management, data access, and coordination. It has suggested
strategies to address these needs, along with specific projects to give practical effect to the
strategies. The enhancements proposed in the specific plans will help to ensure availability of
the vital observational records needed to underpin climate modeling, prediction, and impact
assessment; to plan for natural disaster mitigation and adaptation to climate change, climate
variability, and climate extremes; and to address sustainable development.
As implementation of this Regional Action Plan proceeds, the vital importance of systematic
observation of the climate system must continually be emphasized to national governments, the
public at large, and external donors. Demonstrating the many important applications of these
data will assist in generating the support needed to sustain observational programs and ensure
the long-term continuity and accessibility of vital climate records. It is hoped that this Action Plan
will prove to be an effective tool in focusing regional energies on meeting GCOS and related
national requirements and in gaining the support of governments and donors for the proposed
initiatives.
REFERENCES
GCOS Implementation Strategy: Implementing GCOS in the New Millennium,
GCOS-67 (WMO/TD No.1072)
Guide to the GCOS Surface and Upper-Air Networks: GSN and GUAN
GCOS-73 (WMO/TD No. 1106)
Second Report on the Adequacy of the Global Observing Systems for Climate,
GCOS-82 (WMO/TD No.1143)
Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the
UNFCCC, GCOS-92 (WMO/TD No.1244)
Report of the GCOS Regional Workshop for Central Asia on Improving Observing
Systems for Climate, GCOS-94 (WMO/TD No. 1248), Almaty, Kazakhstan, 24-26 May 2004
62
APPENDIX A
GCOS Climate Monitoring Principles
Effective monitoring systems for climate should adhere to the following principles*:
1. The impact of new systems or changes to existing systems should be assessed prior to
implementation.
2. A suitable period of overlap for new and old observing systems is required.
3. The details and history of local conditions, instruments, operating procedures, data
processing algorithms and other factors pertinent to interpreting data (i.e., metadata) should
be documented and treated with the same care as the data themselves.
4. The quality and homogeneity of data should be regularly assessed as a part of routine
operations.
5. Consideration of the needs for environmental and climate-monitoring products and
assessments, such as IPCC assessments, should be integrated into national, regional and
global observing priorities.
6. Operation of historically uninterrupted stations and observing systems should be
maintained.
7. High priority for additional observations should be focused on data-poor regions, poorlyobserved parameters, regions sensitive to change, and key measurements with inadequate
temporal resolution.
8. Long-term requirements, including appropriate sampling frequencies, should be specified to
network designers, operators and instrument engineers at the outset of system design and
implementation.
9. The conversion of research observing systems to long-term operations in a carefullyplanned manner should be promoted.
10. Data management systems that facilitate access, use and interpretation of data and
products should be included as essential elements of climate monitoring systems.
Furthermore, operators of satellite systems for monitoring climate need to:
(a) Take steps to make radiance calibration, calibration-monitoring and satellite-to-satellite
cross-calibration of the full operational constellation a part of the operational satellite
system; and
(b) Take steps to sample the Earth system in such a way that climate-relevant (diurnal,
seasonal, and long-term interannual) changes can be resolved.
Thus satellite systems for climate monitoring should adhere to the following specific principles:
63
11. Constant sampling within the diurnal cycle (minimizing the effects of orbital decay and orbit
drift) should be maintained.
12. A suitable period of overlap for new and old satellite systems should be ensured for a period
adequate to determine inter-satellite biases and maintain the homogeneity and consistency
of time-series observations.
…/2
13. Continuity of satellite measurements (i.e. elimination of gaps in the long-term record)
through appropriate launch and orbital strategies should be ensured.
14. Rigorous pre-launch instrument characterization and calibration, including radiance
confirmation against an international radiance scale provided by a national metrology
institute, should be ensured.
15. On-board calibration adequate for climate system observations should be ensured and
associated instrument characteristics monitored.
16. Operational production of priority climate products should be sustained and peer-reviewed
new products should be introduced as appropriate.
17. Data systems needed to facilitate user access to climate products, metadata and raw data,
including key data for delayed-mode analysis, should be established and maintained.
18. Use of functioning baseline instruments that meet the calibration and stability requirements
stated above should be maintained for as long as possible, even when these exist on decommissioned satellites.
19. Complementary in situ baseline observations for satellite measurements should be
maintained through appropriate activities and cooperation.
20. Random errors and time-dependent biases in satellite observations and derived products
should be identified.
__________
64
APPENDIX B
GSN STATIONS IN CENTRAL ASIA**
WMO Station Name
No.
Country
37989
50527
50745
51076
51463
51709
51777
51828
52203
52533
52836
52889
53068
53614
53772
54342
54857
55591
56137
56294
56571
56739
56985
57036
57083
57461
57745
57993
58362
58606
59287
59316
59431
59758
37549
28952
29807
35078
35108
35394
35416
35796
35849
35925
36177
36535
36859
AZERBAIJAN
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
CHINA
GEORGIA
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KAZAKHSTAN
ASTARA
HAILAR
QIQIHAR
ALTAY
WU LU MU QI
KASHI
RUOQIANG
HOTAN
HAMI
JIUQUAN
DULAN
LANZHOU
ERENHOT
YINCHUAN
TAIYUAN
SHENYANG
QINGDAO
LHASA
QAMDO
CHENGDU
XICHANG
TENGCHONG
MENGZI
XI'AN
ZHENGZHOU
YICHANG
ZHIJIANG
GANZHOU
SHANGHAI
NANCHANG
GUANGZHOU
SHANTOU
NANNING
HAIKOU
TBLISI
KUSTANAI
IRTYSHSK
ATBASAR
URALSK
KARAGANDA
UIL
BALHASH
KAZALINSK
SAM
SEMIPALATINSK
KOKPEKTY
ZHARKENT
65
Latitude*
38 27N
49 13N
47 23N
47 44N
43 48N
39 28N
39 02N
37 08N
42 49N
39 46N
36 18N
36 03N
43 39N
38 29N
37 47N
39 56N
36 04N
29 40N
31 09N
30 40N
27 54N
25 07N
23 23N
34 18N
34 43N
30 42N
27 27N
25 52N
31 24N
28 36N
23 10N
23 24N
22 38N
20 02N
41 41N
53 13N
53 21N
51 49N
51 15N
49 48N
49 04N
46 48N
45 46N
45 24N
50 25N
48 45N
44 10N
Longitude*
48 53E
119 45E
123 55E
88 05E
87 39E
75 59E
88 10E
79 56E
93 31E
98 29E
98 06E
103 53E
112 00E
106 13E
112 33E
116 17E
120 20E
91 08E
97 10E
104 01E
102 16E
98 29E
103 23E
108 56E
113 39E
111 18E
109 41E
115 00E
121 28E
115 55E
113 20E
116 41E
108 13E
110 21E
44 57E
63 37E
75 27E
68 22E
51 17E
73 09E
54 41E
75 05E
62 07E
56 07E
80 18E
82 22E
80 04E
36870 ALMATY
KAZAKHSTAN
38001 FORT SHEVCHENKO
KAZAKHSTAN
36974 NARYN
KYRGYZSTAN
44212 ULAANGOM
MONGOLIA
44218 HOVD
MONGOLIA
44231 MUREN
MONGOLIA
44239 BULGAN
MONGOLIA
44259 CHOIBALSAN
MONGOLIA
44272 ULIASTAI
MONGOLIA
44288 ARVAIHEER
MONGOLIA
44317 ERDENETSAGAAN
MONGOLIA
44341 MANDALGOBI
MONGOLIA
44373 DALANZADGAD
MONGOLIA
20046 POLARGMO IM. E.T. KRENKELJA RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
20069 OSTROV VIZE
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
20087 OSTROV GOLOMJANNYJ
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
20292 GMO IM.E.K. FEDOROVA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
20667 IM. M.V. POPOVA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
20674 OSTROV DIKSON
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
20744 MALYE KARMAKULY
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
20891 HATANGA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
21432 OSTROV KOTEL'NYJ
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
21647 MYS SHALAUROVA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
21921 KJUSJUR
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
21931 JUBILEJNAJA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
21946 CHOKURDAH
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
21982 OSTROV VRANGELJA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23074 DUDINKA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23205 NAR'JAN-MAR
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23330 SALEHARD
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23405 UST'-CIL'MA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23472 TURUHANSK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23552 TARKO-SALE
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23631 BEREZOVO
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23711 TROICKO-PECHERSKOE
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23724 NJAKSIMVOL'
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23804 SYKTYVKAR
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23884 BOR
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23891 BAJKIT
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23914 CHERDYN'
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23933 HANTY-MANSIJSK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
23955 ALEKSANDROVSKOE
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24105 ESSEJ
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24125 OLENEK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24143 DZARDZAN
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24266 VERHOJANSK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24329 SELAGONCY
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24343 ZHIGANSK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24382 UST'-MOMA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24507 TURA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24641 VILJUJSK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24671 TOMPO
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24688 OJMJAKON
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24738 SUNTAR
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24817 ERBOGACEN
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
24908 VANAVARA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
66
43 14N
44 33N
41 26N
49 48N
48 01N
49 38N
48 48N
48 05N
47 45N
46 16N
45 54N
45 46N
43 35N
80 37N
79 30N
79 33N
77 43N
73 20N
73 30N
72 22N
71 59N
76 00N
73 11N
70 41N
70 46N
70 37N
70 59N
69 24N
67 38N
66 32N
65 26N
65 47N
64 55N
63 56N
62 42N
62 26N
61 43N
61 36N
61 40N
60 24N
61 01N
60 26N
68 28N
68 30N
68 44N
67 33N
66 15N
66 46N
66 27N
64 16N
63 46N
63 57N
63 15N
62 09N
61 16N
60 20N
76 56E
50 15E
76 00E
92 05E
91 34E
100 10E
103 33E
114 33E
96 51E
102 47E
115 22E
106 17E
104 25E
58 03E
76 59E
90 37E
104 18E
70 03E
80 24E
52 42E
102 28E
137 52E
143 14E
127 24E
136 13E
147 53E
178 29E
86 10E
53 02E
66 40E
52 16E
87 56E
77 49E
65 03E
56 12E
60 52E
50 50E
90 01E
96 22E
56 31E
69 02E
77 52E
102 22E
112 26E
124 00E
133 23E
114 17E
123 24E
143 14E
100 14E
121 37E
135 52E
143 09E
117 39E
108 01E
102 16E
24944
24959
24966
25173
25248
25325
25399
25400
25551
25563
25703
25744
25913
25954
28064
28138
28275
28493
28661
28698
28722
29231
29263
29282
29612
29698
29838
29866
30054
30230
30372
30393
30554
30635
30673
30692
30710
30879
30925
30949
30965
31004
31088
31168
31253
31329
31369
31416
31707
31735
31829
31909
31960
32098
32195
32252
OLEKMINSK
JAKUTSK
UST'-MAJA
MYS SHMIDTA
ILIRNEJ
UST'-OLOJ
MYS UELEN
ZYRJANKA
MARKOVO
ANADYR'
SEJMCHAN
KAMENSKOE
MAGADAN
KORF
LEUSI
BISER
TOBOL'SK
TARA
KURGAN
OMSK
UFA
KOLPASEVO
ENISEJSK
BOGUCANY
BARABINSK
NIZHNEUDINSK
BARNAUL
MINUSINSK
VITIM
KIRENSK
CHARA
CUL'MAN
BAGDARIN
UST'-BARGUZIN
MOGOCA
SKOVORODINO
IRKUTSK
NERCHINSKIJ ZAVOD
KJAHTA
KYRA
BORZJA
ALDAN
OHOTSK
AJAN
BOMNAK
EKIMCHAN
NIKOLAEVSK-NA-AMURE
IM POLINY OSIPENKO
EKATERINO-NIKOL'SKOE
HABAROVSK
ZOLOTOJ
TERNEJ
VLADIVOSTOK
PORONAJSK
SIMUSIR
UST'-VOJAMPOLKA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
67
60 24N
62 01N
60 23N
68 54N
67 15N
66 33N
66 10N
65 44N
64 41N
64 47N
62 55N
62 26N
59 33N
60 21N
59 37N
58 31N
58 09N
56 54N
55 28N
55 01N
54 43N
58 19N
58 27N
58 23N
55 20N
54 53N
53 26N
53 42N
59 27N
57 46N
56 54N
56 50N
54 28N
53 25N
53 45N
54 00N
52 16N
51 19N
50 22N
49 34N
50 24N
58 37N
59 22N
56 27N
54 43N
53 04N
53 09N
52 25N
47 44N
48 31N
47 19N
45 00N
43 07N
49 13N
46 51N
58 30N
120 25E
129 43E
134 27E
179 22W
167 58E
159 25E
169 50W
150 54E
170 25E
177 34E
152 25E
166 05E
150 47E
166 00E
65 43E
58 51E
68 15E
74 23E
65 24E
73 23E
55 50E
82 57E
92 09E
97 27E
78 22E
99 02E
83 31E
91 42E
112 35E
108 04E
118 16E
124 52E
113 35E
109 01E
119 44E
123 58E
104 19E
119 37E
106 27E
111 58E
116 31E
125 22E
143 12E
138 09E
128 56E
132 59E
140 42E
136 30E
130 58E
135 10E
138 59E
136 36E
131 56E
143 06E
151 52E
159 10E
32389
32411
32618
35121
38933
38954
38507
38750
38763
38895
38915
38262
38413
38457
KLJUCHI
ICA
NIKOL'SKOE
ORENBURG
KURGAN-TYUBE
KHOROG
TURKMENBASHI
ESENGYLY
GYZYLARBAT
BAJRAMALY
CARSANGA
CHIMBAJ
TAMDY
TASHKENT
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
TAJIKISTAN
TAJIKISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
UZBEKISTAN
UZBEKISTAN
UZBEKISTAN
56 19N
55 35N
55 12N
51 41N
37 49N
37 30N
40 03N
37 28N
38 59N
37 36N
37 31N
42 57N
41 44N
41 16N
160 50E
155 35E
165 59E
55 06E
68 47E
71 30E
53 00E
53 38E
56 17E
62 11E
66 01E
59 49E
64 37E
69 16E
Note:
*Coordinates in degrees and minutes
**This list will be revised by the RA-II session in Hong Kong in December 2004 in light of amendments
proposed by the Russian Federation and by other Members, if any.
GUAN STATIONS IN CENTRAL ASIA**
WMO Station Name
No.
37789
50527
51709
52681
53068
55299
56778
57461
20674
21982
23472
24266
28698
30230
32540
35121
Country
Latitude*
YEREVAN
ARMENIA
40 08N
HAILAR
CHINA
49 13N
KASHI
CHINA
39 28N
MINQIN
CHINA
38 38N
ERENHOT
CHINA
43 39N
NAGQU
CHINA
31 29N
KUNMING
CHINA
25 01N
YICHANG
CHINA
30 42N
OSTROV DIKSON
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
73 30N
OSTROV VRANGELJA
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
70 59N
TURUHANSK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
65 47N
VERHOJANSK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
67 33N
OMSK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
55 01N
KIRENSK
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
57 46N
PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKIJ RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA) 53 05N
ORENBURG
RUSSIAN FED. (IN ASIA)
51 41N
Longitude*
44 28E
119 45E
75 59E
103 05E
112 00E
92 04E
102 41E
111 18E
80 24E
178 29E
87 56E
133 23E
73 23E
108 04E
158 35E
55 06E
Note:
*Coordinates in degrees and minutes
**This list will be revised by the RA-II session in Hong Kong in December 2004 in light of amendments
proposed by the Russian Federation and by other Members, if any.
68