The Impact of the Global Atmospheric Research Program on Observing Programs

Abstract

In opening the discussion, Moderator Smagorinsky called attention to the fact that the initiating motivation for the World Weather Watch (WWW) and the Global Atmospheric Research Program (GARP) was not primarily for the sake of pure science but as an essential factor in the exploitation of outer space for peaceful uses and international cooperation. Atmospheric science and meteorological operations would for the first time be looking systematically at the interaction of an observational system with the requirements of science and operations. He pointed out that the absence of a truly global observational system at this time is a major technological obstacle to potentially dramatic improvement in our ability routinely to predict atmospheric changes up to a few weeks in advance. GARP offers a singular opportunity, at this crucial juncture, for enhancement of the global observational networks. Three aspects of GARP are unique in this regard: 1) For the first time there is an active and continuous dialogue between scientists and technologists. 2) The scientific and operational requirements, both governmental and non-governmental, are being considered. 3) The project is global in scope and international in participation.