Climate Observations &
Monitoring
The goal of the Climate Observations and Monitoring (COM) Program is to provide comprehensive observations, data and analysis systems, climate data records, computational models, and research capabilities, which can address the current state of the climate at the accuracies and resolution required by the users; to provide capability to assimilate large and complex data sets into earth systems models in order to understand the climate of the past, provide attribution to the present and future states of the climate, and optimize observing systems; and to better quantify the information on atmospheric composition and feedbacks that contribute to changes in Earth's Climate. The COM Program directly supports the other Programs under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Mission Goal. COM also contributes to the other four NOAA Mission Goals, Ecosystems, Weather and Water, Commerce and Transportation, and Mission Support.
Access to quality observations and science-based analysis of climate data has provided our Nation with unique abilities to minimize climate related risk and maximize climate-related opportunities. Delivering on this demand and achieving more comprehensive outcomes will be achieved by improving our ability to meet stringent climate monitoring principles, working with our national and international partners through the Global Earth Observation System of Systems which includes integrated data and information management systems linked to integrated NOAA observing systems. The Department of Commerce has taken a lead role in implementing the Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Strategic Plan, which integrates the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and the President's Climate Change Research Initiative. Lastly, the data and information must be monitored and analyzed to ensure high-quality data and information is available to our users.
The Climate Observations and Monitoring Program measures and monitors atmospheric constituents to reduce uncertainties associated with interannual variability in the global carbon cycle and the radiative influence of other atmospheric constituents in the forcing of climate change. Climate forcing activities occur around the globe, through extensive observing networks maintained by NOAA, in field campaigns led by or involving NOAA, and by studies in the laboratory. At any one time there are over 25 different projects funded under the COM Program in laboratories and offices at many geographic locations across the U.S. and its territories. Research and programmatic activities are primarily organized and/or carried out in Silver Spring, MD; Boulder, CO; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; and at various universities throughout the U.S.
Refer to www.climate.noaa.gov for information about the NOAA Climate Goal.
NOAA's national and global observations can be explored at nosa.noaa.gov.
Contact Information:
David Goodrich, Acting Program Manager
(301) 734-1214
david.goodrich@noaa.gov
