Coordinated climate data validation
Climate data products are important assets in assessing and monitoring climate change. Decisions about climate change adaptation and mitigation measures are complex, with long-lasting economic and social implications. It is therefore necessary for such decisions to be based on consistent and credible data. In response to the challenges emerging from climate change, the Copernicus Climate Change Service provides access to several climate indicators and indices. Based on records of temperature, precipitation and drought events, information is provided for identified climate drivers and expected climate change impacts. The CORE-CLIMAX (Coordinating Earth observation data validation for re-analysis for climate services) project was proposed to isolate new measurements that can be reconciled with existing data to form long-term climate data records. The aim was to substantiate how Copernicus observations can contribute to climate change analyses. The project team pinpointed gaps in ongoing data processing activities that feed the Copernicus Climate Change Service. They also established a forum for data providers of Earth observation data to assess the status of available observations with a view to integrating remote sensing data with in situ records. Over the course of CORE-CLIMAX, a repository of validated observations was created to support together with model predictions analyses of climate change and assessments of mitigation measures. Through reanalysis of the diverse data products, climate variations can be tracked at different temporal and spatial scales. However, different research centres use diverse reanalysis and synthesis techniques of satellite data. CORE-CLIMAX partners compared results of various reanalysis techniques to identify differences that point to necessary improvements in monitoring essential climate variables. Ultimately, a structured process was defined for delivering essential climate variables ready to be integrated into the reanalysis chain and for comparing the results. Project procedures were internationally coordinated and are applicable to all existing and future activities for generation and maintenance of climate data records. CORE-CLIMAX ended in 2015 having established the contribution of ongoing data analyses activities in the formulation of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Importantly, the groundwork was laid for additional services in the future.
Keywords
Climate data, climate change, Copernicus, CORE-CLIMAX, Earth observation
