GAW

Scientific Advisory Groups within the GAW Program

The role of Scientific Advisory Groups (SAGs) in the Global Atmosphere Watch Program has been clearly defined in the "Strategy for the Implementation of the Global Atmosphere Watch Programme: 2001 – 2007" (WMO/GAW Rep. # 142, WMO TD No. 1077, June 2001).

They are to perform the following tasks

1. Set measurement priorities on the basis of user requirements and scientific needs.
2. Establish Data Quality Objectives (DQOs) and approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
3. Track operations at sites and make recommendations regarding the development of networks, observation methodologies, and techniques.
4. Advise the central facilities with regard to scientific matters.
5. Organise scientific assessments and give advice about user applications.

Scientific Advisory Groups are to co-ordinate GAW activities for six parameter types

1. Ozone (SAG Ozone)
2. UV Radiation (SAG UV)
3. Greenhouse Gases (SAG Greenhouse Gases)
4. Aerosols (SAG Aerosols)
5. Precipitation chemistry (SAG Precipitation Chemistry)
6. Reactive Gases (SAG Reactive Gases)

The place of SAGs in the GAW monitoring system is depicted in Figure 1. Through the GAW secretariat at WMO headquarters in Geneva, their oversight of the network is implemented.

Figure 1 : Components of GAW Monitoring

Figure 2 : Stations