Research Network for Surface Temperature

我们建议建立一个网络，以促进在测量和了解地球表面温度方面的新的国际合作。这将涉及专门从事不同类型表面温度测量的专家，他们通常不会见面。我们的动机是需要更好地了解现场测量和卫星观测，以量化地表温度，因为它每天，每月的变化。了解地表温度变化很重要，因为这些变化会影响生态系统和人类生活，以及地表和大气的相互作用。地表温度（ST）也是“全球变暖”的主要指标，150多年来对ST的了解来自于现场气象学和海洋学测量。这些对于天气预报、环境科学以及气候变化的探测和归因都至关重要。从空间热遥感ST有大约30年的历史，包括业务开发。沿着迹扫描辐射计（ATSRs）20年的观测记录具有高精度和高稳定性。ATSR级能力将很快在全球环境与安全监测（GMES）的空间部分投入使用，并将至少持续到2030年。对21世纪ST变异性和变化的最佳洞察力将来自于联合使用现场和多平台卫星观测。显然有必要和愿望改善科学家在现场/卫星“鸿沟”和地球表面所有领域的互动。这将加快提高单个观测质量和在一系列应用中相互利用不同观测系统的进展，现在是启动这一研究网络的关键时刻。首先，该网络将与一项新的重大举措密切联系，以改进地面气象站对ST的量化（surfacetemperatures.org）。其次，有些领域迫切需要提高对科技的认识：例如，在非洲各地区，现场测量非常稀少;在北极，不断变化的季节性海冰范围挑战了目前量化ST变异性和变化的做法。第三，在遥感界之间交流经验是及时的。所有这些动机都是在科学技术与气候变化相关的当前公共利益和政策相关性的背景下提出的。英国调查人员参与了拟议的ST网络的全部范围，并在多个领域发挥着国际领先的作用。该网络将确保联合王国在最高级别参与科技研究的所有领域。在这项建议中，海外的主要世界级组织在指导和/或主办网络活动方面发挥作用。该网络欢迎在编写本建议时未联系的其他人参与。将征求所有用于案例研究的数据的原始者的许可，以便免费提供数据集。该网络将在三年内围绕三个主题组织：第一年。第一个主题是一个包容性的问题，旨在将研究界聚集在一起，全面了解共同的研究需求和愿望。第二个主题是一个紧迫的研究问题，该网络将协调一个有用的和独特的贡献。第三个主题是在加强气候变化监测和诊断的观测基础方面具有长期意义和重要性的主题。

We propose a network to stimulate new international collaboration in measuring and understanding the surface temperatures of Earth. This will involve experts specialising in different types of measurement of surface temperature, who do not usually meet. Our motivation is the need for better understanding of in situ measurements and satellite observations to quantify surface temperature as it changes from day to day, month to month. Knowing about surface temperature variations matters because these affect ecosystems and human life, and the interactions of the surface and the atmosphere. Surface temperature (ST) is also the main indicator of "global warming".Knowledge of ST for >150 years has been derived from in situ meteorological and oceanographic measurements. These have been fundamental to weather forecasting, to environmental sciences, and to detection and attribution of climate change. Thermal remote sensing of ST from space has a ~30 year history, including operational exploitation. Observations of high accuracy and stability come from the 20-year record of Along Track Scanning Radiometers (ATSRs) . ATSR-class capability will shortly become operational in the space segment of Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES), and will continue until at least 2030. The best insight into ST variability and change through the 21st century will come from jointly using in situ and multi-platform satellite observations. There is a clear need and appetite to improve the interaction of scientists across the in-situ/satellite 'divide' and across all domains of Earth's surface. This will accelerate progress in improving the quality of individual observations and the mutual exploitation of different observing systems over a range of applications.Now is a critical time to initiate this research network. First, the network will link closely to a major new initiative to improve quantification of ST from surface meteorological stations (surfacetemperatures.org). Second, there are areas of acute need to improve understanding of ST: e.g., across regions of Africa, where in situ measurements are very sparse; and across the Arctic, where the evolving seasonal sea ice extent challenges the current practices for quantifying ST variability and change. Third, it is timely to share experience between remote sensing communities. All these motivations are present against a backdrop where ST is, in relation to climate change, of current public interest & relevance to policy.This network will increase the international impact of UK science. UK investigators are involved across the full scope of the proposed ST network, and have leading international roles in several areas. The network will ensure UK participation at the highest level across all domains of ST research. In this proposal, key world-class organisations overseas have roles in steering and/or hosting network activities. The network will welcome participation of others not contacted in preparation of this proposal. Permission will be sought from the originators of all data used for case studies to make the data set freely available.The network will be organised around three themes over three years:Year 1. In situ and satellite ST observations: challenges across Earth's domains Year 2: Quantifying surface temperature across ArcticYear 3: Joint exploitation of in situ and satellite surface temperatures in key land regions.The first theme is an inclusive question, designed to bring together research communities and develop a full picture of common research needs and aspirations. The second theme is a pressing research question to which the network will co-ordinate a useful and unique contribution. The third theme is one of long-term interest and importance in the strengthening of the observational foundations for climate change monitoring and diagnosis.