Letter from Joseph Cihlar of TOPC to Hugh Kieffer of GLIMS

This letter of support for GLIMS was sent to Dr. Hugh Kieffer (GLIMS Project PI) by Dr. Josef Cihlar (Chair, GCOS Terrestrial Observation Panel for Climate).

Dr. Hugh Kieffer                                        February 7, 2000
Principal Investigator, GLIMS
U.S. Geological Survey
2255 N. Gemini Drive
Flagstaff, AZ  86001


Dear Dr. Kieffer

At the previous sessions of the GCOS/GTOS Terrestrial Observation Panel
for Climate, it was evident that comprehensive global glacier
observations are key to many of the concerns of international global
change programs, from both science and policy perspectives.  Through
the initiative of the Terrestrial Observation Panel for Climate (TOPC)
and on behalf of the Global Climate Observing System and the Global
Terrestrial Observing System, an initial global in situ network has
been set up, the Global Terrestrial Observation Network for glaciers
(GTN-G) operated as part of GTOS.  While this network needs further
enhancements and more sites, it does provide a kernel for long-term,
consistent observations around the world.  Nevertheless, even once
additional sites are established the surface network will be too sparse
to provide globally and regionally adequate data.  The ony realistic
solution to this dilemma is an integration of in situ and satellite
observations, as proposed by TOPC through the GHOST strategy.  It is
for this reason that the Global Land-Ice Measurements from Space (GLIMS)
project and the Landsat-7 Antarctic glacier mapping project are of
central importance to the development of a comprehensive observations
of the world's glaciers.

Presentations by Drs. Barry and Kargel at previous TOPC meetings
provided convincing evidence of the strong contribution that GLIMS and
similar projects can make to increasing our understanding of the
terrestrial cryosphere at global and regional levels.  Of particular
importance are (1) the global nature of the observations; (2) an
international approach to glacier image dissemination planned by EOS
and GLIMS; (3) an international structure of glaciologists already in
place for data analysis; (4) the plans for building a digital, publicly
accessible data archive of glacier parameters at the National Snow and
Ice Data Center (NSIDC); and (5) co-ordination with other existing
international glacier programs.  TOPC therefore recommended that GLIMS
be endorsed as an important contribution to the evolving global
observing systems.  At its last meeting, the GCOS Steering Committee
accepted this recommendation (Decision 29, see below).

As you may also know, the space agencies and international in-situ
observation agencies have jointly undertaken the implementation of an
Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS).  IGOS is based on a
comprehensive analysis of observation requirements for specific
thematic themes, and the a co-ordinated implementation of space and
surface components of the required observations.  A preliminary
discussion at the TOPC V meeting in Birmingham, U.K. Indicated that
glacier observations will be an important input to the study and
assessment of the terrestrial hydrological cycle.  With the increasing
priority put on fresh water issues and the key role that water plays in
the terrestrial biogeochemical cycling as well as surface-atmosphere
interactions, it is apparent that systematic observations of the
hydrological cycle will need to be developed under IGOS.  To this end,
the above projects and similar initiatives will take the initial steps
and will provide important building blocks.

For all the above reasons, I am pleased to confirm the high importance
of GLIMS and similar projects as seen by TOPC.  To maximise the value
of these projects to GCOS and GTOS, we would like to establish close
links and propose the following as guidelines for collaboration:

GLIMS representative will provide a report at regular TOPC meetings.
Normally, personal representation at the meeting, funded by the
project, would be expected to facilitate discussions of results and
next steps.  In fairly early states of the project, begin joint
consideration of activities that should continue once the project (as
initially approved) is completed, and jointly develop realistic
implementation options.  The target should be to have, shortly after
the mid-point of the project, a detailed plan that includes follow-on
activities and a mechanism for securing funding for these.  Final
report should be provided by GLIMS to GTOS and GCOS, and should
describe information products, results, and other achievements relevant
to systematic global observations.

We look forward to working with the GLIMS team.




Sincerely,




Josef Cihlar (Dr.)
Chair
GTOS/GCOS Terrestrial Observation Panel for Climate

c.: A. Thomas, GCOS; J. Tschirley, GTOS

GCOS Steering Committee meeting #8, Decision 29:

"The SC encouraged the enhancement and further development of the glacier
observation network (GTN-G), for example by incorporating satellite data
(as Tier 5) through new initiatives such as the proposed Global Land Ice
Monitoring System (GLIMS), by establishing new sites in data-sparse
regions, and by revitalising existing sites where measurements have been
discontinued.  It endorsed efforts aimed at developing common reporting,
performance-measurement and review procedures with ICSU and other
appropriate groups."