No.8

Introduction
Data Policy
Data
Documentation
Contact Information



Introduction to the WMO WDCGG


1. History and objectives of the WDCGG

The WDCGG (a WDC under WMO's GAW Programme) has been operational since October 1990 at the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). In October 2002, the WDCGG took over the role of the World Data Centre for Surface Ozone (WDCSO) from the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU).

Furthermore, under the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) recognition of the WMO/GAW global atmospheric CO2, CH4 and N2O monitoring networks as baseline and comprehensive networks of GCOS, the WDCGG is charged with the data management and dissemination of value-added products on these species in order to facilitate more reliable monitoring and data analysis.

The objectives of the WDCGG are to support scientific research, assessment and correspondence policy for environmental issues such as global warming, to ultimately contribute toward reducing societal environmental risks, and to meet the requirements of related environmental conventions.



2. Functions of the WDCGG

Since its establishment in 1990, the WDCGG has principally worked to achieve its objectives. It has also improved its operation and functions in accordance with GAW Strategic Plans. The current operations of the WDCGG involve the following four functions:

  1. To collect measurement data and associated metadata on greenhouse and related trace gas species from various platforms of the GAW observation network and relevant international research programs.
  2. To archive data of known quality for long-term use after validation.
  3. To make the archived data available to users via the Internet.
  4. To provide value-added products and user support information in order to facilitate more reliable monitoring and data analysis.
The WDCGG performs global analysis of major GHGs every year to contribute to the WMO Greenhouse Bulletin. This annual publication is used as a background document at sessions of Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).



Schematic diagram of WDCGG functions and data flow


3. Archived data

The WDCGG archives measurement data for greenhouse and related gases in the atmosphere and the ocean (around 110 gaseous species as of 30 November 2015). The data are classified into six categories according to the observation platforms or methods used (see WDCGG Data Submission and Dissemination Guide).

  1. Air observation from stationary platforms
  2. Air observation from mobile platforms (e.g., aircraft, ships)
  3. Vertical profile observation of air (e.g., multi-height observation from towers)
  4. Hydrographic sampling observation from ships
  5. Ice core observation
  6. Observation of surface seawater and overlying air

The WDCGG is operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency
in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization