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。50至150年的温度知识来自于现场的气象和海洋测量。这些都是天气预报、环境科学以及气候变化的探测和归因的基础。包括实际开发在内，空间热遥感技术已有30多年的历史。高精度和稳定的观测来自20年记录的沿迹扫描辐射计（ATSRs）。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。对整个21世纪温度变率和变化的最佳了解将来自联合使用现场和多平台卫星观测。有一个明确的需求和愿望，以改善科学家的互动跨越原位/卫星“鸿沟”和跨越地球表面的所有领域。这将加速在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方面取得进展。现在正是启动这一研究网络的关键时刻。首先，该网络将与一项重大的新倡议紧密相连，该倡议旨在改进地面气象站对温度的量化（surfacetemperatures.org）。第二，有些领域迫切需要提高对ST的了解：例如，非洲各区域的实地测量非常稀少；在整个北极，不断变化的季节性海冰范围对目前量化温度变率和变化的做法提出了挑战。三是及时开展遥感社群经验分享。所有这些动机都是在与气候变化相关的当前公共利益和政策相关的背景下出现的。这个网络将增加英国科学的国际影响力。英国调查人员参与了拟议的ST网络的全部范围，并在几个领域发挥了领导作用。该网络将确保英国参与所有ST研究领域的最高水平。在这项建议中，主要的海外世界级机构在指导和/或主办网络活动方面发挥作用。本网络将欢迎未与之联系的其他各方参与拟订本提案。所有用于个案研究的数据均须征得数据提供者的同意，以便免费提供该数据集。该网络将在三年内围绕三个主题组织：现场和卫星表面温度观测：跨越地球域的挑战。第2年：北极地表温度的量化。第3年：关键陆地区域的现场和卫星地表温度的联合利用。第一个主题是一个包容性问题，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，该网络将对此作出有益而独特的贡献。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利益和重要性的主题之一。

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.