Steering Committee Meeting 1 (Oct 2014)

Download the TPOS 2020 SC-1 Report

The first meeting of the TPOS 2020 Scientific Steering Committee was held October 6-9, 2014 and hosted by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science Technology (KIOST) in Ansan, Korea.  This meeting was the first step to transition the current TPOS of loosely coordinated activities into a systematic and sustainable observing system by 2020.

Meeting Agenda

NOTE: Embedded links go directly to the referenced documents

1. Opening and Introductions

2. Agenda

3. Background and SC Terms of Reference

• References: TPOS 2020 Workshop Report, Section 8 on Governance
• Introductory Presentation (Neville Smith)
• TPOS
• Workshop (Smith, Hill; TPOS Workshop Report)
• TPOS 2020 Project outline and scope – Smith
• Illustrative project outcomes
• Role of Resources Forum and sponsor support
• TPOS 2020 Project SC Terms of Reference – Smith and Kessler

4. Selected scientific presentations

• Scientific Presentation #1 ENSO and its diversity – what we do/do not know (Harry Hendon)
• Presentation #2 Integration of remote sensing and approach to cal/val (Tom Farrar)
• Scientific Presentation #3 2016 GOE : PIONEER (Pacific and Indian Ocean Network Establishment for global Environment Research) (Dongchull Jeon)

5. Overview of scientific issues/questions

• Purpose: Initial exposure of key scientific issues and questions (the TPOS rationale) including aspects for which we can seek early decisions/guidance
• Scientific rationale issues, questions (co-Chairs/Billy Kessler)
• Round-the-table
• Each: #1 issue; #1 opportunity

6. Key challenges

• ENSO Modelling and assimilation challenges
• References: WP #4, #5, #8b, #2; various WCRP reports
• ENSO Prediction –(Arun Kumar)
• What are the targets of ocean model development? – (Yukio Mosumoto)
• The coupled system:
  • Physical parameterisations and key processes (see also 6d) – (Bill Large)
  • ENSO Diversity: Prediction & Observing Challenges – (Harry Hendon)
• Broadscale sampling, etc.

• References: WP #3, #9, #10, #11; TT #1 (Appendix 5 on broadscale sampling, Report)
• Two thoughts from Dean Roemmich:
  • Observing system design is a balance between what is needed for scientific and operational objectives and what is practical from a cost standpoint.
  • In order to weigh the design trade-offs, it is essential to know the spatial/temporal statistics of the observed fields very accurately, better than we typically know them.
• Led by Sophie Cravatte, Ken Ando, Tom Farrar
  • How: Recap broadscale strategy (spatial, temporal scales)
  • Why: scientific rationale and desired impact
  • Status: what works well; less well; opportunities, risks
  • What: Argo, SOOP, TAO/TRITON, remote sensing (ALT, SST)
  • Proposed approach and schedule (tbd): TT to develop revised objectives, principles (include efficiency and effectiveness)
• Biogeochemistry and biology

• Reference: La Jolla presentations; WPs #6, #7
• Recap of the main issues and the rationale for systematic observation – Pete Strutton
• Status of TPOS for biogeochemistry and biology
• Options for developing a sustained system
• Diurnal variability, air-sea fluxes and near-surface dynamics.

• References: WP #3, #11
• Diurnal Cycle: Issues – (Bill Large)
• Approaches to observation of boundary regions.

• References: WP #3, #8a, #9–#11
• Eastern Pacific – (Ken Takahashi)
• Western Pacific/boundary current region:
  • A Few Thought on Western Boundary –Dake Chen
  • Western Boundary Images – Weidong Yu
  • 2016 Global Ocean Expedition – Dongchull Jeon
  • Also see Presentation #3
• Other aspects for discussion

• The deep ocean
• Data management (Ken Ando; see also papers from La Jolla)
• Societal impacts (Arun Kumar)
• Data assimilation sensitivity experiments (OSE/Val Workshop)
• Salinity observation and assimilation
• Time series
• New technology

7. Discussion of big challenges and priorities

• An initial distillation of the Key Messages and Themes – (Neville Smith)
• One group might comprise near-term tasks that the SC can deliver in, say, 2 years.
• A second group might comprise tasks that will require deeper coordination and facilitation.
• A third group may comprise tasks that will be led elsewhere but for which TPOS 2020 is willing to play a significant role.
• Tasks that are beyond TPOS 2020, either in scope, or duration.
• Agency scientific plans

• Dongchull Jeon
• NOAA TPOS proposal

8. Review of recommendations from La Jolla

• Reference: Sections 9.2-9.7 from La Jolla Workshop Report
• Recommendations from TPOS Workshop – (Neville Smith, Billy Kessler)

• Is the recommendation relevant to the TPOS 2020 SC?
• If yes, decide where/how the action might be achieved.
• Options might include a Task Team, the SC itself perhaps via an agenda item at the next meeting, or another body/expert group.

9. Approach to TPOS 2020 Project

• Developing a Project Management Plan – (Neville Smith)
• A “lite” project approach, but focused and specific
• Achievable goals (finished by 2020)
• Key partnerships
• Leadership
• Establishment of Task Teams (see suggestions in Workshop Report)
• Other sub-projects to emerge from initial discussion

10. Action plan for 2014-15

• Summary of actions for discussion and agreement

11. Future agenda for SC

• Membership
• Meetings (Including intersessional discussion)