Data Buoy Cooperation Panel and Ship Observations Team

1. Data Buoy Cooperation Panel and Ship Observations Team Hester Viola DBCP and SOT Technical Coordinator JCOMMOPS

2. Data Buoy Cooperation Panel • http://www.jcommops.org/dbcp • Helping meteorologists and oceanographers worldwide • The Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) is an official joint body of the WMO and the IOC. • It consists of the data buoy component JCOMM (drifting and moored buoys in the High Seas). • Drifting Buoys, mostly Lagrangian (Surface Velocity Program) and surface meteorological buoys, pressure is important. • Moored Buoys in the high seas – surface meteorology and some sub-surface. • It aims broadly to: • Assess and address data needs within the meteorological and oceanographic communities • Promote new programmes and data sharing from existing programmes • Optimize the provision and timely receipt of good quality data

3. Achievements • 1250 buoys • Barometers on 1/3 buoys • Upgrades • National commitments • Data quality monitoring – SST, T and pressure. Global Drifter 1250 was deployed on 18th of September 2005, near Halifax. With this deployment the global drifting buoy array achieved its design goal of 1250 data buoys in sustained service. The DBCP became the first component of the Global Ocean Observing System to be fully Implemented. 44 N, 63 W

4. Network Status and distribution Monthly maps, plus interactive Web Map Services (www.jcommops.org, Map Room)

5. Meteorological data on the GTS Drifting Buoys (with drogues attached) also provide ocean current, direction and speed

6. Buoy distribution • Achieved 1250 buoys, which is equivalent to one drifting buoy each 500 kms. • The desired distribution is still not accomplished across the world’s oceans • Southern Ocean • Indian Ocean • North west pacific • Maintaining (replenishing) the number of buoys above this level is an important task for the future.(~12-18 month lifetime) • Deployment opportunities are sought in these areas – Argo deployment planning maps are very useful for this.

7. Buoy Distribution • NOAA buoy density map produced each quarter

8. DBCP Action groups • The panel is implemented regionally through action groups: • Global Drifter Programme (USA) • OceanSITES

9. Data Quality • Real time data distribution via the GTS ~1280 buoys per month, mostly via Argos which provides the real-time QC • Data quality • Data formats are fairly standard and mature • Monthly buoy monitoring statistics are produced by participants • Quality Control Relay provides an ad hoc feedback mechanism to stop GTS Distribution of bad data • Other analysis tools are maintained by Météo France and MEDS Canada where the buoy data archive resides • Annual assessment of quality which indicates the SST, Temperature and Pressure are excellent when compared to Meteorological models

10. Data Timeliness • Satellite communications • Argos • Iridium • ORBCOMM • Inmarsat • Delays in data dissemination have always been an issue for data buoys • Iridium PP is well underway and findings will be compiled in 2009

11. Ship Observations Team • SOT Encompasses: • Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) programme • Ship of Opportunity Programme Implementation panel (SOOPIP)

12. Ship of Opportunity Programme • Aims ~25500 XBT drops needed

13. SOOP Reporting • Annual report – sampling success

14. National Contributions (2006)

15. Sampling success assessment See: http://www.jcommops.org/FTPRoot/SOOP/Maps/2006-SOOP-COMMENT-UOT.png

16. Future plans • Better metadata management for data quality and climate applications – enhancement of BUFR templates • All buoys should be equipped with Barometers for Numerical Weather Prediction • Continued investigation of new satellite telecommunications and reductions in delays • Improve and communicate deployment opportunities more effectively within JCOMMOPS