TPOS 2020 Project Structure

The structure of the TPOS 2020 project was laid out during the OOPC-sponsored Tropical Pacific Observing System, 2020 Workshop held in January, 2014. See the meeting report and white papers for more details. Specifically, the project would be guided by three main groups, a Resource Forum, a Steering Committee, and a Transition and Implementation group (all in blue boxes connected to each other). These groups would regularly report progress to intergovernmental bodies (boxes outside the internal TPOS 2020 box) such as WIGOS, GOOS and JCOMM, but operated with significant autonomy.

The Steering Committee was supported by a number of very active expert Task Teams (lower level blue boxes) that provided recommendations for observational requirements as well as process and pilot studies. The TPOS 2020 project was supported by a distributed project office (orange boxes), of associates in the US, Australia, and China that facilitated the meetings and reports.

Click here for more information about the current TPOS structure.

Click here for a table of TPOS 2020 Members.

Governance

Steering Committee (SC)

The role of the SC was to provide scientific and technical oversight for the planning, system design, and implementation of the TPOS. This group assessed the evolving set of requirements through dialogue with relevant users and stakeholders, and coordinated a set of (pilot) projects designed to test and evaluate options. The SC assessed potential technology options for delivering a more effective and efficient TPOS including relevant scientific/expert panels and bodies. Together with the Resources Forum, the SC managed communication and reporting. SC meeting information and reports can be found here.

Co-Chairs: William Kessler (USA, 2014-present), Neville Smith (Australia, 2014-2018), Weidong Yu (China, 2018-present)

The full list of SC Members can be found here.

The Steering Committee will:

  • Provide scientific and technical oversight for the planning, system design, and implementation of the TPOS,
  • Assess the evolving set of requirements through dialogue with relevant users and stakeholders,
  • Coordinate a set of (pilot) projects designed to test and evaluate options, which initially may include:
    • Studies of potential broad-scale sampling strategies,
    • Investigation of potential sustained requirements for air-sea interaction and circulations and interactions in the upper ocean,
    • Studies of potential approaches in the tropical Pacific boundary current regions
      and the equatorial wave guide,
  • Assess potential technology options for delivering a more effective and efficient TPOS;
  • Coordinate with other relevant scientific/expert panels and bodies, including those responsible for GOOS information systems and services,
  • Together with the Resources Forum, manage communication and reporting. The TPOS 2020 Project will report to the GOOS SC.

It will meet at least once per year but may meet more frequently if required.
The membership of the Steering Committee shall not exceed 10 (or 12) and should include expertise broadly representative of the scientific and technical elements of the observing system, as well as expertise in the use and application of TPOS products.

Resource Forum (RF)

The RF facilitated and coordinated the provision of resources by member institutions required to advance TPOS 2020 activities based on recommendations from, and in consultation with, the TPOS SC. It promoted and encouraged contributions from institutions, Official Development Assistance agencies, participating and non-participating countries, and expanded membership of the TRF as necessary; including the exploration of bilateral and multi-lateral partnerships. The TRF coordinated resources that may be applied to the TPOS, including necessary observing research, technology development/testing, modelling, scientific analysis, infrastructure (e.g., ship resources and/or deployment of observing assets), along with Project Management and travel support. RF meeting information and reports can be found here.

Chair: Craig McLean (USA, 2014-2017), David Legler (USA, 2017-present)

The full list of RF Members can be found here.

The TPOS Resource Forum will:

  • Facilitate and coordinate the provision of resources by member institutions required to advance TPOS 2020 activities based on recommendations from, and in consultation with, the TPOS Steering Committee (TSC, figure 1).
  • Promote and encourage contributions from institutions in non-participating countries and expand membership of the TRF as necessary.
  • Facilitate and coordinate resources that may be applied to the system, including ship time for developing and maintaining the TPOS, necessary research, and deployment of TPOS observing platforms.
  • Explore the potential for international resources from Official Development Assistance (ODA) agencies to develop and sustain the TPOS.
  • Explore bilateral and multi-lateral partnerships (e.g., PANGEA Framework resource sharing) as a means to complement national resources.
  • Coordinate with the CLIVAR Pacific Panel, Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) Resources Forum (IRF), Pacific Islands GOOS, DBCP TAO Implementation Panel (TIP), PIRATA Resources Board and other relevant resourcing bodies.

The TRF will meet initially to monitor and consider the rationale of the TPOS 2020 (January 27-30, 2014) Workshop Report and Recommendations; consider support of recommended activities from the TPOS Steering Committee; come to consensus on its Terms of Reference; decide how the TRF conducts its business; and assess current interests and contributions to TPOS 2020.

It is expected that TPOS 2020 resources will support a range of relevant research activities that address the goals of TPOS 2020, including support for existing observing systems;development and testing of new observing technologies; evaluation of new observing strategies for relevant research and forecasting; and other topics.

The outcome of the TRF will be to deliver a sustainable system beyond 2020 for satisfying the Scientific Requirements identified by the TPOS 2020 Steering Committee (TSC) and Task Teams (TT), as well as the Operational Requirements of Member National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS).

Transition & Implementation

The TPOS 2020/JCOMM Transition and Implementation Task Team (T&I TT) operated as a sub-project of the TPOS 2020 Project and is supported by the Distributed Project Office of TPOS 2020. JCOMM MAN is the primary external sponsor. The Task Team existed to provide advice and recommendations on implementation and transition arrangements for governance to its sponsors and partners.

Chair: Neville Smith

The full list of T&I Members can be found here.

The TPOS 2020/JCOMM Transition and Implementation Task Team will act as an open-ended group with the following Terms of Reference:

  1. To serve as the advisory group within the TPOS 2020 Project to the Steering Committee and Resources Forum, and to JCOMM, on implementation and associated transition arrangements for contributions to the TPOS;
  2. To act as the focal point within the TPOS 2020 Project for matters related to implementation, including reconfiguration of the tropical mooring network; enhanced Argo profiling; improved monitoring of key surface variables; consideration of implications for data management, capacity building and services; and coordination with other parts of the global observing systems;
  3. To keep informed of, and as appropriate, review potential new technologies that might contribute to the Backbone of the TPOS;
  4. To keep informed of, and as appropriate, review the progress and outcomes of relevant TPOS 2020 Pilot Projects, particularly those targeting the Backbone of the TPOS;
  5. To consider governance options for maintenance and implementation of the TPOS, both during and beyond the TPOS 2020 Project with focus on regional mechanisms, taking into account strategies and plans of JCOMM, WIGOS and GOOS;
  6. To develop implementation plans in responses to the First and subsequent TPOS 2020 Reports;
  7. To collaborate in, as appropriate, the work of the Steering Committee and other relevant Task Teams of TPOS 2020;
  8. To consult and work with other Groups and expert teams of the T&I TT Sponsors, as appropriate;
  9. To keep informed of the work of other relevant international organizations and programmes and to advise the TPOS 2020 Steering Committee and Resources Forum, as required; and
  10. Provide reports to the annual sessions of the JCOMM MAN and TPOS 2020 Steering Committee.

Task Teams

The TPOS 2020 Task Teams were appointed by the (SC with the challenge of organizing activities agreed to by the Workshop and subsequent SC meetings. These included:

  • Evaluation of the backbone of the observing network, including broad-scale aspects of the TPOS
  • Elaboration of the scientific need and feasibility of observing the planetary boundary layers, including air-sea fluxes, near surface processes and diurnal variability
  • Evaluation of approaches to observation of the eastern and western boundary regions
  • Development of rationales, requirements and strategy for biogeochemical observations
  • Consideration of approaches to advancing modelling, data assimilation and synthesis so that observations can achieve their fullest impact

The full list of members for each Task Team can be found here.

Backbone Task Team

The major objective of the Backbone Task Team was to articulate the purpose and requirements for the backbone observations in the tropical Pacific and to recommend a feasible process for achieving a new configuration of the observing suite.

Co-Chairs: Susan Wijffels (USA), Sophie Cravatte (France)

Through an integrated approach the Backbone TPOS will achieve its objectives through a combination of in situ and remote sensing approaches, augmented as appropriate with advice from models and data assimilation. Sampling for the Backbone has as its goal to:

  • Observe and quantify the state of the ocean, on time scales from weekly to interannual/decadal
  • Provide data in support of, and to validate and improve, forecasting systems
  • Support calibration and validation of satellite measurements
  • Advance understanding of the climate system in the tropical Pacific, including through the provision of
    observing system infrastructure for process studies
  • Maintenance and, as appropriate, extension of the tropical Pacific climate record

Sampling for the backbone observing system has as its goal to:

  • Observe and quantify the state of the ocean, on time scales from weekly to interannual/decadal
  • Provide data in support of, and to validate and improve, forecasting systems
  • Support calibration and validation of satellite measurements
  • Advance understanding of the climate system in the tropical Pacific, including through the provision of observing system infrastructure for process studies
  • Maintenance and, as appropriate, extension of the tropical Pacific climate record[1].

Depending on the mechanisms that are of importance, different spatial sampling strategies may be needed in different regions. Temporal and spatial resolution needs also depend upon the region and variable of interest; in and near the equatorial waveguide, higher temporal and meridional resolution of temperature, salinity, carbon system variables and currents are needed than in many extra-equatorial areas. Similar considerations probably apply to the near-surface layer and the eastern and western boundary regions. For some variables and in some regions, the scales that we wish to observe are well known; in others, it will be necessary to plan for an evolving sampling strategy as new information is gained.

In principle we wish to use an integrated approach; that is, the Backbone TPOS achieves its objectives through a combination of in situ and remote approaches, augmented as appropriate with models and data assimilation.

The initial “ENSO observing system” in the tropical Pacific depended upon a combination of repeat XBT tracks (some with ship-borne ADCPs), surface drifters, Voluntary Observing Ships, island tide gauges, the sparse TAO mooring array and some repeat hydrography; satellite oceanography was in its infancy at the beginning of this system. Considerable technological progress has been made since then. Satellite ocean observing is now an established technology: The Argo profiling float array is a proven source of temperature, salinity, and float displacement observations, and air-sea carbon flux observations are proven. New autonomous technologies such as gliders and wavegliders have been developed and also need to be considered in the future backbone TPOS observing strategy.

Consistent long-term climate records are fundamental to diagnose trends and multi-decadal variability, and to maintain credible climatologies. The GCOS Climate Monitoring Principles for the evolution of observing system elements comprise an important set of guidelines for the transition from the present into the TPOS beyond 2020. The TPOS 2020 Project provides an opportunity to evaluate options and to conduct any needed transitions in a way that minimises harm to the Tropical Pacific ocean data record.

The major objective of this Task Team is to articulate the purpose and requirements for the backbone observations in the tropical Pacific and to recommend a feasible process for achieving a new configuration of the observing suite.

Some specific questions that must be addressed are:

  • What are the unique capabilities of the ‘legacy’ ENSO observing system elements, and what are the enhancements that have been made over the past decade that should be continued in the TPOS beyond 2020 in support of a backbone observing system? This consideration should include efficiency, effectiveness and utility.
  • What contributions can we reasonably assume will continue courtesy of global observation efforts (eg, SST, altimetry, Argo, TAO/TRITON moorings, scatterometer winds, ocean colour)
  • What enhancements/modifications to these efforts should be sought?
  • What will be the data synthesis strategy for integrating the full multivariate suite of backbone observations into a coherent view of ocean structure and variability of the region?
  • Anticipating the future evolution of prediction systems and drawing on advice from the Biogeochemical TT, determine the initial strategy for backbone biogeochemical observations?

These questions should be addressed while considering the feasibility of new observation platforms and sensors for the backbone sampling and what mitigation efforts/options are needed to ensure robustness of the observing system.

Consideration should also be given to the adequacy of data systems, taking into account the tight time constraints of operational assimilation systems.

The Task Team should liaise with the other Task Teams as appropriate and take account of guidance being developed on time-series[2].

[1] Work initiated at SC Meeting 1, including guidance on the approach.

[2] The US National Research Council (at the request of NOAA) provided a definition Climate Data Record in the context of satellite records: “a time series of measurements of sufficient length, consistency, and continuity to determine climate variability and change.”  In TPOS, we might wish to use a more general interpretation for climate record that is not specific to time series:

“A climate record is (observed) evidence about climate, usually in some permanent form, with sufficient extent, quality, integrity and consistency to detect climate variability and change.”

Planetary Boundary Layer Task Team

Improved monitoring, understanding, parameterization and modeling of ocean surface (air-sea interaction) and near-surface processes has been identified as a priority for TPOS 2020. Thus it was deemed important to develop a task team focused on air-sea interactions, specifically: diurnal variability, air-sea fluxes, and near-surface dynamics. This is particularly important as many essential ocean and climate variables are now derived from a combination of satellite and in situ data.

Co-Chairs: Meghan Cronin (USA), Tom Farrar (USA)

The observational needs regarding improved monitoring and modelling of ocean surface and near-surface processes are likely to have two components: sustained detailed observations and process studies. It is the role of this Task Team to identify which requirements are best met via a sustained observing effort (> 5-11 years), and which can be addressed with specific short-term process campaigns.

Starting with the background and context provided below, guidance from the TPOS white papers and other available reports, and taking into account both existing and near horizon capabilities:

  • Formulate a practical observing strategy and technical sampling requirement to ensure comprehensive air-sea fluxes can be estimated at hourly or better resolution across a set of key ocean and climate regimes in the tropical Pacific, covering the full suite of state variables to estimate heat, moisture, and momentum exchanges, including through use of bulk formula.
    • The Context provides a number of suggestions on possible regimes that the TT may use as a basis for identifying around five regimes with distinct characteristics.
  • Develop recommendations about the oceanic and atmospheric boundary layer measurements needed to meet TPOS objectives, and the space-time sampling required for those measurements. In particular, measurements that should resolve the diurnal cycle in the oceanic and atmospheric boundary layers will be identified.
  • Consider whether a subset of regimes where direct eddy-correlation approaches might be used is feasible and of value.
  • Liaise with the existing and developing ocean satellite and modelling community on efficiently meeting their present and future requirements for ocean surface data.
  • Engage biogeochemical and ecosystem experts to ensure the needs of key gas exchange calculations are met.
  • Liaise with the other TPOS 2020 Task Teams to maximize logistical and scientific synergies.
  • Carry out a risk analysis of the proposed approach (e.g., dependency on a single satellite mission or communications systems or ship time) and suggest possible mitigation strategies (e.g., some redundancy).

Modeling and Data Assimilation Task Team

The 2014 TPOS 2020 Project Workshop identified inadequacies in models and in data assimilation as the major limiting factors for effective use of TPOS observations in seasonal-to-interannual climate predictions and the accuracy of related products, including both the analysis of the ocean state and the predictive skill of coupled model forecasts. In order to address this, inadequacy, the Modeling and Data Assimilation Task Team was created.

Co-Chairs: Arun Kumar (USA), Eric Guilyardi (France)

A significant fraction of the observational effort will need to be directed towards improved understanding of processes and mechanisms, which in turn should be coordinated with a program of improved model parameterizations and reduced systematic error; an additional benefit is that such data/model studies also contribute to improved design and reduced inefficiencies of the observing system.

  • To develop strategies for coordinated modelling and assimilation activities for designing and planning the future TPOS observing systems, such as those proposed by the other task teams.
  • To identify pathways that will contribute to improved understanding of systematic errors and subsequent model improvements, especially through promotion of joint activities with other bodies that have mandates to improve models.
  • To contribute modelling and data assimilation insights into the identification of observational requirements.
  • To provide guidance on the assessment of the impact of modelling and assimilation, including through systematic continuous evaluation (metrics and process-oriented diagnostics), OSEs, and OSSEs, of the TPOS and its design, especially using the multi-model approach.
  • As appropriate, recommend strategies for model initialization that will promote the efficient use of TPOS information.
  • To provide recommendations on improving coordination among centers currently engaged in ocean analysis and prediction towards assessment of TPOS and its influence on predictions.

Biogeochemistry Task Team

Biogeochemistry Task Team (BGCTT) works to develop strategies and design plans for the biogeochemical contributions to the Tropical Pacific Observing System. The BGCTT will begin with carbon biogeochemistry as its core scientific concern, including primary productivity but not higher trophic levels (zooplankton to fish). Amongst other tasks within their terms of reference, the BGCTT will create a prioritized list of variables that will be measured as part of the BGC observing network as well as provide guidance on implementation of these measurements, including needed/potential new technologies and required process studies.

Co-Chairs: Adrienne Sutton (USA), Pete Strutton (Australia)

The role of the Biogeochemistry Task Team (BGCTT) is to evaluate and recommend the most promising focii, and to provide advice on possible solutions. The Biogeochemistry Task Team will begin with carbon biogeochemistry as its core scientific concern. Here will be the consideration of the term biogeochemistry to
include primary productivity (noting that the Backbone Observing System likely includes ocean color satellites) but not higher trophic levels (zooplankton to fish).

The role of the Biogeochemistry Task Team (BGCTT) is to evaluate and recommend the most promising focii, and to provide advice on possible solutions. The Biogeochemistry Task Team will begin with carbon biogeochemistry as its core scientific concern. Here we consider the term biogeochemistry to include primary productivity (noting that the Backbone Observing System likely includes ocean color satellites) but not higher trophic levels (zooplankton to fish).

  • To develop strategies and design plans for the biogeochemical contributions to the Tropical Pacific Observing System, taking into account, as appropriate, the Backbone Observing System and guidance being developed by other TPOS 2020 Task Teams.
  • Provide guidance as required to the Backbone Observing System Task Team on strategies and plans for potential biogeochemical elements of the Backbone.
  • Determine the requirements, including time and space scales that should be resolved, either through Backbone contributions, or through specialised contributions to TPOS.
  • Provide a prioritised list of variables that will be measured as part of the BGC observing network.
  • Provide guidance on implementation, including needed/potential new technologies and required process studies.
  • Maintain communication with the GOOS Biogeochemistry and Biology Panels, as appropriate.

Eastern Pacific Task Team

The western and eastern boundary regions of the tropical Pacific Ocean are the primary conduits of tropical-subtropical interaction. These regions thus play crucial roles in ocean dynamics and climate variability on both regional and global scales. To examine this critical region, the Eastern Pacific Task Team was formed.

Co-Chairs: Boris Dewitte (France), Yolande Serra (USA), Ken Takahashi (Peru)

Task Team to focus on the eastern Tropical Pacific boundary region; giving priority to engaging regional experts and institutions. In addition to defining needed observations, goals of the TT could include: (a) Capacity building for improved sustained observing capability; and (b) Facilitation of the development of a regional research project, which may contribute guidance toward a sustained observing system.

Carréric A., B. Dewitte, W. Cai, et al. 2020. Change in strong Eastern Pacific El Niño events dynamics in the warming climate. Climate Dynamics 54: 901–918. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-019-05036-0

Conejero C., B. Dewitte, V. Garçon, et al. 2020. ENSO diversity driving low-frequency change in mesoscale activity off Peru and Chile. Scientific Reports 10: 17902. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-74762-x

Duteil, O., I. Frenger  and J. Getzlaff. 2020. Intermediate water masses, a major supplier of oxygen for the eastern tropical Pacific ocean. Ocean Science, Preprint os-2020-17. https://doi.org/10.5194/os-2020-17

Dewitte, B., K. Takahashi. 2019. Diversity of moderate El Niño events evolution: role of air–sea interactions in the eastern tropical Pacific. Climate Dynamics 52: 7455–7476. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-017-4051-9

Peng, Q., S.P. Xie, D. Wang, et al. 2019. Coupled ocean-atmosphere dynamics of the 2017 extreme coastal El Niño. Nature Communications 10: 298. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-08258-8

Takahashi K, A.G. Martínez. 2017. The very strong El Niño in 1925 in the far-eastern Pacific. Climate Dynamics 52: 7389–7415. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-017-3702-1

For the eastern Pacific boundary region:

  • Determine the observational requirements, including time and space scales that should be resolved, either through Backbone contributions or through specialised/pilot contributions to TPOS.
  • Develop observational strategies and design plans for the region, taking into account, as appropriate, the readiness of technology and feasibility of measurements, the evolving Backbone Observing System, and guidance being developed by other TPOS 2020 Task Teams.
  • Provide guidance as required to the Backbone Observing System Task Team and, as required, other Task Teams on strategies and plans for the region.
  • Foster interaction and collaboration between the TPOS and other international programs that have an observational focus in the tropical eastern Pacific boundary region.
  • Provide guidance on implementation and explore potential opportunities to collaborate with regional institutions for the implementation and maintenance of TPOS and its national components, and to evolve process-oriented boundary measurements towards a sustained system.

By Feb. 1, 2015 develop TORs for a Task Team to focus on the eastern Tropical Pacific boundary region, giving priority to engaging regional experts and institutions In addition to defining needed observational, goals of the TT could include: (a) Capacity build for improved sustained observing capability; and (b) Facilitate the development of a regional research project, which may contribute guidance for a sustained observing system.

Western Pacific Task Team

Several large regional observing activities or finite lifetime process studies, already exist or are planned in the Western Pacific.
With several substantial activities by different national groupings in the Western Pacific, TPOS 2020 seeks to coordinate these activities through a Western Boundary Task Team so that the whole can be more than the sum of the individual pieces. In addition to the goals of integration and increased collaboration, this task team seeks to help strengthen regional and national activities by placing them within the larger global context and utilize international guidelines for data policy and sharing.

Co-Chairs: Janet Sprintall (USA), Kentaro Ando (Japan), Masaki Katsumata (Japan)

This group will take advice on a project to be conducted in the Western Pacific. Once underway they will advise on mechanism for the project’s development and oversight.

Task Team Meeting (2016) – This meeting was held on February 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The goal of the meeting was to develop a strategy for coordinated ITF and boundary current observations in order to provide the scientific rationale of western boundary current observations to the BB-TT. Download Meeting Report (PDF).

Western Pacific Workshop (2017) – This workshop was held on September 4-7, 2017 in Qingdao, China and was hosted by the First Institute of Oceanography, SOA. The desired outcomes for the workshop included: Establishing a good dialogue on TPOS WP activities; Clarity on the steps for implementation of the WP actions from the 1PPstPP Report; Clarity on the next steps for the LLWBC Pilot (scope, purpose, likely activities, etc.); and Improved understanding of the potential to support process studies. Download Workshop Report (PDF).

The goal of the WP-TT is to identify the significant features of the western Pacific circulation and air-sea exchange, and to oversee and develop an integrated strategy towards an observing system that resolves these features for the purpose of applications of the ocean observing system (e.g. typhoon forecasting, climate forecasting and research) The main Terms of Reference are:

  • Foster interaction and collaboration between the TPOS and other international programs that have an observational focus in the tropical western Pacific region, in particular WESTPAC and CLIVAR.
  • Determine the observational requirements for over the next few decades, including time and space scales that should be resolved, through Backbone-TT contributions, or specialised/pilot contributions to TPOS, such as SPICE, NPOCE, ITF and other relevant projects.
  • Develop observational strategies and design plans for the region, taking into account, as appropriate, the readiness of technology and feasibility of measurements, the evolving Backbone Observing System, existing activities, and guidance being developed by other TPOS 2020 Task Teams.
  • Provide guidance as required to the Backbone Task Team and, as required, other Task Teams on strategies and plans for the region.
  • Seek mechanisms for improved cooperation and coordination of logistics and ship time for the region, with the initial focus being on the evolution of the Western Pacific mooring contributions (e.g. TRITON, NPOCE, etc).
  • Provide guidance on implementation and explore potential opportunities to engage with and collaborate with regional institutions for the implementation and maintenance of TPOS and its national components, and to evolve process-oriented boundary region measurements towards a sustained system.
  • Promote and ensure that public data availability and distribution plans are included in all proposed observational efforts.

Distributed Project Office (DPO)

The DPO developed communications, and coordination tools that facilitated TPOS 2020 integrated decision making, and provided access to relevant deployment and observing asset decision making tools. The DPO supported the suite of tools and activities required to track the commitments to all aspects of TPOS 2020 and to facilitate integrated decision making across networks, groups, agencies, and nations; during the project and throughout the lifecycle of the observing system beyond TPOS 2020.

Locations & Sponsors

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Sponsorship: Integrated Marine Observing System, University of Tasmania

Qingdao, China
Sponsorship: First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration

Seattle, Washington, United States
Sponsorship: NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, University of Washington

Washington, D.C., United States
Sponsorship: NOAA Ocean Observing and Monitoring Division, NOAA Climate Program Office and NASA Science Mission Directorate, NASA Earth Science Division