Terms of Reference

The need for high-quality ocean observations is shared by research (CLIVAR) and ocean applications and services (GOOS) and there is a shared conviction that, together, the ocean community should endeavour to establish the basis for a comprehensive ocean observation network and oversee the staged implementation of a sustainable ocean observing system for the Indian Ocean. It is therefore agreed that a Panel will be established and supported by CLIVAR and GOOS (through Indian Ocean GOOS and the Perth Office of the IOC) with the following Terms of Reference.

1. Provide scientific and technical oversight for implementation of a sustained ocean observing system for the Indian Ocean following the plans in WCRP Informal Report No. 5/2006 and GOOS Report no. 152, in particular with regard to:

• Promotion and implementation of the basin-scale mooring array, working in closer collaboration with GEOSS, JCOMM and other bodies.

• Testing, planning and coordination of an integrated, multi-platform approach to the observing system in collaboration with GODAE, GSOP and other bodies.

• Establishing links to coastal applications through the IOGOOS Regional Alliance.

• Encouraging new participants in the observing system by demonstrating usefulness of the implementation already accomplished.

• Identifying and utilizing synergies with the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System, in particular with regard to advocating a multi-hazard approach that integrates tsunami warning with other weather related threats.

2. Coordinate and plan research on the role of the Indian Ocean in the climate system in collaboration with other CLIVAR Panels and OOPC with a focus on describing, understanding, modeling and predicting intraseasonal, monsoonal, interannual and decadal oceanic processes and their relationship to climate impacts on all the surrounding continents.

3. Liaise with biogeochemical and ecological research programs and identify opportunities to understand the relationships between climate- and biogeochemical research.

4. In collaboration with IRI and local experts in each region of interest, identify the societal impacts of climate and oceanic variation that require Indian Ocean observations as a foundation for management and amelioration.

5. Rotate up to 30% of the Panel membership each year in order to acquire the skills necessary to address the evolving development of the observing system.

6. Advise the CLIVAR SSG on Indian Ocean climate research and report to GOOS through the IOC Perth Office.

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Old Terms of Reference

The need for high-quality ocean observations is shared by research (CLIVAR) and ocean applications and services (GOOS) and there is a shared conviction that, together, the ocean community should endeavour to establish the basis for a comprehensive ocean observation network and oversee the staged implementation of a sustainable ocean observing system for the Indian Ocean. It is therefore agreed that a Panel will be established and supported by CLIVAR and GOOS (through Indian Ocean GOOS and the Perth Office of the IOC) with the following Terms of Reference.

1. Provide scientific and technical oversight for a sustained ocean observing system for the Indian Ocean and Indonesian Throughflow in order to provide ocean observations needed for climate variability research and to underpin operational ocean applications and services relevant to the region, particularly with regard to ocean-state estimation and climate prediction.

2. Develop, coordinate and implement a plan for a sustained ocean observing system for the Indian Ocean to (a) meet the common requirement of CLIVAR research themes and regional initiatives, particularly those identified by AAMP and VACS and the CLIVAR modelling panels, (b) satisfy the common requirements of GOOS and its modules, and (c) coordinate implementation activities in collaboration with relevant regional and global bodies and IOGOOS and JCOMM in particular.

3. Liaise with relevant research Panels of CLIVAR and implementation Panels of GOOS and JCOMM and provide a focal point for coordination of ocean observing networks in the region.

4. Report to the CLIVAR SSG through its AAMP and to GOOS through the IOC Perth Office.

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