GHRSST Strategy and Implementation Plan (GDIP)

Sea-Surface Temperature (SST) measured from satellites make key contributions to operational oceanography, numerical weather prediction, climate studies and other applications including marine biology. GHRSST partners operate a Regional/Global Task Sharing (R/GTS) system delivering real-time SST derived from satellite measurements to users. In addition to the operational service, GHRSST aims to support and develop best practice in development of the Climate Data Record (CDR) of SST, an Essential Climate Variable (ECV) for global change studies. GHRSST strives to ensure SST data product continuity and provides a link between research and operations with dedicated sub-groups on SST research issues, on data formats and data stewardship, and on user interaction.
Six main strategic themes of GHRSST result from the GHRSST Terms of References, i.e., from the necessity to maintain the data flow which GHRSST users rely on (Strategic Aim I), together with quality estimates (Strategic Aim II) as well as from the necessity to nurture the science (Strategic Aim III) which allows the users to make full use of the information. The interaction between operational, scientific and user communities is a crucial driver for progress, reflected in complimenting Strategic Aim IV (develop and maintain user interaction). Further, GHRSST strives for strengthening links with the international community (Strategic Aim V) and gives recommendations for the future (Strategic Aim VI).

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