Recognition criteria for marine observing stations

Notes: 

  1. Surface marine observations comprise a variety of observations taken at land/coastal stations, and by moored and drifting buoys and ships. Surface marine variables comprise both meteorological variables and other variables including sea level, sea-surface temperature etc. (for a full list of marine meteorological variables, refer to the Manual on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System, (WMO-No. 1160), Attachment 5.1.). 
  2. The proposed WMO recognition mechanism is limited to centennial observations from land-based (coastal) stations including tide gauges. Other marine observations from buoys, drifters and ships very likely do not meet the ‘centennial’ criterion and will be addressed at a later stage based on modified recognition criteria including a shorter observing history. 

Mandatory criteria: 

  1. The observing station was founded at least 100 years ago, observing regularly (at least monthly) at least one surface marine element since then (element(s) to be listed in the references/remark column) and is in operation as an observing station at the date of nomination. 
  2. Periods of inactivity of the observing station shall not exceed 10%. 
  3. The minimum station metadata for the full duration of station operation shall contain actual or derived geographical coordinates including elevation, known changes of station name and/or station identifier, identified surface marine element(s) and its unit(s) as well as the observing schedule(s). 
  4. Any known observing station relocation or change in the measurement technique have not significantly affected the climatological time-series data. 

Note: Documented data homogenization for the observing station is considered compliant with criterion 4. 

  1. All historic observational data and metadata have been digitally archived or will be rescued. Members shall share plans for data rescue, if applicable. 
  2. The observing station shall be operated according to WMO observing standards or where these do not exist, then Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)* observing standards shall apply. 

Note: Explanatory information shall be provided for those stations that do not meet current WMO/IOC observing standards. 

  1. The current environment of the observing station has been classified, or will be classified, according to the siting classification defined by WMO or where these do not exist then as defined by IOC*. Members shall share (i) the metadata attached to the siting classification in the appropriate WMO or IOC Metadata repository or (ii) their plans to classify the observing station, if applicable. 
  2. The observed and measured data shall be subject to routine quality control procedures according to current WMO or IOC* guidelines and practices. The quality control processes as well as their results shall be well documented. 

Note: A brief description of the routine quality procedures at the observing station shall be provided. 

  1. Members shall do their utmost to maintain nominated stations according to the above recognition criteria. 
  2. Historic observation data and metadata have been or will be made available for scientific research according to Resolution 1 (Cg-Ext(2021)) – WMO Unified Policy for the International Exchange of Earth System Data. Members shall share their plans for data availability, if applicable. 

*  Relevant IOC standards and good practices are described in IOC Manuals and Guides N°14 and N°83. Reference to additional technical documents may be added upon extension of the recognition mechanism to capture more marine observational variables. 

WMO candidate centennial observing station self-assessment template for marine observing stations