WA-06-05 Title :

1. WA-06-05 Title: Initiate the creation of a coordination mechanism within GEO for global in-situ water observations, including ocean observations, and advocate synergy and sharing of infrastructure among observing systems. PoC: A.G. de BRITO, University of Minho, Portugal Members:WMO, GTOS, FAO, PORTUGAL, GERMANY/GPCC,GRDC, JAPAN/NICT, JAMSTEC, SPAIN Description 1. Produce an inventory of in-situ networks, their logistical infrastructure and potential for synergies with other in-situ measurements. See AR-06-07 and AR-06-08 concerning water observations. 2.Based on the result of GEOSS Water Cycle Observation Workshop in November 2005, provide input to the new Observations Council on in-situ water cycle observations and assess the degree to which recommendations are acted upon. 3.Establish a process for providing input to this group on an on-going basis.

2. WA-06-05 Calendar On going activity over 2006/2007 and beyond. The information sheet sent to all task members will be updated within a six month base (the sheet content can be refined/adjusted according to suggestions). Proposed milestones for the short term: 31.07.06 - receive all information sheets filled in by the task members; 31.08.06 - analize the information sheets and create a matrix, in order to look for synergies between projects, areas and organizations; 07.09.06 - send the updated Task Sheet to the ADC co-chair; 22.09.06 - send the updated Task Sheet to the GEO Secretariat. Current Status 23.06.06 - In order to produce an inventory of in-situ networks, infrastructure and potential for synergies with other in-situ measurements an information sheet was prepared in April 2006 and a first questionnaire was launched in May 2006. The information received was compiled and is made available in this report. From the 23 members of the task that received the information sheet, only five answered until now.