EUMETNET EUCOS

EUCOS (EUMETNET Composite Observing System)

The Objectives

The objectives of the EUCOS (EUMETNET Composite Observing System) Programme are to :

design and coordinate the evolution of the ground based EUMETNET composite observing system (EUCOS) to be optimized at European scale with a view to improve short range forecast over Europe without increasing the overall cost, in line with the EUCOS strategy defined by the Council
monitor and control EUCOS performance
ensure integrated management for agreed components such as E-ASAP and E-AMDAR
support the evolution of EUCOS through a studies programme.

The EUCOS Implementation programme

Following a preparatory phase conducted in 1998 by a Task Force, the EUCOS Implementation Programme ran from 1999 to 2001 under the responsibility of Météo-France. Its main activity was to study an optimized design for the composite observing system.

The EUCOS Operational programme

The EUCOS Operational Programme was established on 01 January 2002, based on recommendations resulting from the EUCOS Implementation Programme. It aims to establish and operate a truly European observing network under the auspices of EUMETNET, to deliver increased efficiency, leading to better-quality numerical and general forecasts, initially on a European scale.

The EUMETNET Composite Observing System (EUCOS) was developed from the planning phase to an operational programme as an integrated terrestrial observing system for Europe serving the needs of regional numerical weather prediction from 2002 till 2006. EUCOS has evolved rapidly by active co-operation and support of all the members of EUMETNET. In this period the UK Met Office was responsible member of the EUCOS Operational Programme.

Since January 2007 DWD is responsible member of EUCOS. The next programme phase 2007 - 2011 will be split into two parts:

During the transition phase 2007-2008 the current activities of the studies programme will be finalized. On the basis of the results of the studies programme new objectives will be developed and implemented during the second phase 2009-2011. Thereby the terrestrial observing system will become increasingly optimised with the space based observing system and new programmatic objectives for the programme components E-ASAP, E-AMDAR and E-SURFMAR will be set.

Among others the quality monitoring activities will be extended and E-WINPROF, OPERA-III and E-GVAP will be operationally integrated.

A specific web site at http://www.eucos.net provides more detailed information about EUCOS (access for participants only).

The Programme Manager is Dr Jochen Dibbern

Updated : 23 August 2007



*The Objectives*
The objectives of the EUCOS (EUMETNET Composite Observing System) Programme are to :
design and coordinate the evolution of the ground based EUMETNET composite observing system (EUCOS) to be optimized at European scale with a view to improve short range forecast over Europe without increasing the overall cost, in line with the EUCOS strategy defined by the Council monitor and control EUCOS performance ensure integrated management for agreed components such as E-ASAP and E-AMDAR support the evolution of EUCOS through a studies programme.

*The EUCOS Implementation programme*
Following a preparatory phase conducted in 1998 by a Task Force, the EUCOS Implementation Programme ran from 1999 to 2001 under the responsibility of Météo-France. Its main activity was to study an optimized design for the composite observing system.

*The EUCOS Operational programme*
The EUCOS Operational Programme was established on 01 January 2002, based on recommendations resulting from the EUCOS Implementation Programme. It aims to establish and operate a truly European observing network under the auspices of EUMETNET, to deliver increased efficiency, leading to better-quality numerical and general forecasts, initially on a European scale. The EUMETNET Composite Observing System (EUCOS) was developed from the planning phase to an operational programme as an integrated terrestrial observing system for Europe serving the needs of regional numerical weather prediction from 2002 till 2006. EUCOS has evolved rapidly by active co-operation and support of all the members of EUMETNET. In this period the UK Met Office was responsible member of the EUCOS Operational Programme. Since January 2007 DWD is responsible member of EUCOS. The next programme phase 2007 - 2011 will be split into two parts: During the transition phase 2007-2008 the current activities of the studies programme will be finalized. On the basis of the results of the studies programme new objectives will be developed and implemented during the second phase 2009-2011. Thereby the terrestrial observing system will become increasingly optimised with the space based observing system and new programmatic objectives for the programme components E-ASAP, E-AMDAR and E-SURFMAR will be set. Among others the quality monitoring activities will be extended and E-WINPROF, OPERA-III and E-GVAP will be operationally integrated.
A specific web site at http://www.eucos.net provides more detailed information about EUCOS (access for participants only).
The Programme Manager is Dr Jochen Dibbern