Title

GEWEX water vapor assessment (G-VAP) Final Report

Authors

Schröder  M.,  Lockhoff  M.,  Shi  L.  August  T.,  Bennartz  R.,  Borbas  E.,  Brogniez  H., Calbet X.,  Crewell  S.,  Eikenberg  S.,  Fell F., Forsythe J.,  Gambacorta  A.,  Graw  K., Ho S.-P., Höschen H., Kinzel J., Kursinski E.R.,  Reale A., Roman J., Scott N., Steinke S., Sun B.,  Trent  T.,  Walther A.,  Willen  U.,  Yang Q.

Published

by World  Climate  Research  Programme (WCRP) at 2017-12-06

Abstract

This WCRP report on G-VAP is structured as follows:  after recalling the scope, the GEWEX  needs, GCOS requirements and the scientific questions, the applicable sensors and data records are briefly introduced and a general discussion of uncertainties is given. The core of the report is separated into three parts where results from the analysis of long-term (more than 20 years, start in the 1980s or earlier) gridded data records (Level 3 or higher, section 4), of short-term (minimum of 10 years) gridded data records (section  5) and of instantaneous (Level 2) data records (section  6) are presented. Section 4 has a strong focus on the characterisation of homogeneity and stability while section 6 concentrates on systematic and
random uncertainties associated with retrievals. An  overview of uncertainties arising from sampling and collocation is also given in section 6. Generally, TCWV, water vapour and temperature profiles as well as UTH were analysed but not all those parameters have been assessed in each section. Whenever feasible the full suite of long-term data records has been analysed. However, a series of case studies or studies using a subset of data records were carried out. Section 3.3 provides an overview of available data records. It also shows which data record and parameter are analysed in which section. Section 7 provides answers to the G-VAP science and technical questions and additional conclusions.

Citation

Schröder  M.,  Lockhoff  M.,  Shi  L.  August  T.,  Bennartz  R.,  Borbas  E.,  Brogniez  H., Calbet X.,  Crewell  S.,  Eikenberg  S.,  Fell F., Forsythe J.,  Gambacorta  A.,  Graw  K., Ho S.-P., Höschen H., Kinzel J., Kursinski E.R.,  Reale A., Roman J., Scott N., Steinke S., Sun B.,  Trent  T.,  Walther A.,  Willen  U.,  Yang Q.,  2017:  GEWEX  water  vapor  assessment (G-VAP).  WCRP Report 16/2017;  World  Climate  Research  Programme (WCRP):  Geneva, Switzerland; 216 pp.

 

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