Summary of IGACO recommendations
The principal recommendations of IGACO, as detailed and discussed in chapter 6 are:
GR1 Establishment: an Integrated Global Atmospheric Chemistry Observation System (IGACO) should be established for a target list of atmospheric chemistry variables and ancillary meteorological data.
GR2 Continuity: the data products from satellite and non-satellite instruments, which are to be integrated into a global picture by IGACO, must have assured long term continuity
GR3 Management of IGACO: the responsibility for the co-ordination and implementation of the IGACO should rest with a single international body. International and national agencies responsible for aspects of IGACO should be committed partners and agree on their appropriate responsibilities.
GR4 Gaps in observational coverage: for each target species and variable, the present gaps in the current spatial and temporal coverage should be filled by extending the existing measurement systems.
GR5 Long term validation of satellite observations: in order to ensure the accuracy and consistency of satellite measurements, sustained quality assurance measures, over the entire lifetime of satellite sensors, are essential.
GR6 Validation of vertical profile data from satellite observations: a set of high performance scientific instruments using ground, aircraft and balloon platforms, possibly operated on campaign basis, must be maintained to provide the crucial validation data.
GR7 Comparability: the ability to merge observations of different types must be ensured by insisting that appropriate routine calibration and comparison activities linking diverse measurements together are part of an individual measurement.
GR8 Distribution of data: universally recognised distribution protocols for exchange of data on atmospheric chemical constituents should be established.
GR9 Multi-stake holder World Integrated Data Archive Centres (WIDAC) should be established for the targeted chemical variables.
GR10 Storage for raw data should be established so that they can be re-interpreted as models and understanding improves.
GR11 The development of comprehensive chemical modules in weather and climate models with appropriate data assimilation should be an integral part of IGACO.
GR12 Strong coordination with the meteorological services is essential so that the ancillary meteorological data, required by IGACO, is accessible.
Specific recommendations (SR1 to SR7) for the implementation of IGACO are given in section 5.3 of the report, together with suggestions for the commitment process.