Definition
Albedo. The fraction of solar energy reflected from the Earth back into space.
Fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR). The solar radiation reaching the surface on the 0.4–0.7 μm spectral region is known as the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). FAPAR refers to the fraction of PAR that is absorbed by a vegetation canopy.
Leaf area index. The ratio of total upper leaf surface of vegetation divided by the surface area of the land on which the vegetation grows.
Permafrost. Soil at or below the freezing point of water (0 °C or 32 °F) for 2 or more years.
Phytoplankton. Photosynthetic or plant constituent of plankton, mainly composed of unicellular algae.
Introduction
The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) was established in 1992. GCOS is an international mechanism aimed at coordinating observing systems and networks for meeting the needs for climate observation at national and global level. GCOS serves as the climate component of the Global...
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Bibliography
GCOS, 2003. Second Report on the Adequacy of the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (GCOS-82), WMO/TD 1143. Geneva: World Meteorological Organisation.
GCOS, 2004. Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (GCOS-92), WMO/TD 1219. Geneva: World Meteorological Organisation.
GCOS, 2006. Systematic Observation Requirements for Satellite-Based Products for Climate – Supplemental Details to the Satellite-Based Component of the Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (GCOS-107). Geneva: World Meteorological Organisation.
GCOS, 2009. Progress Report on the Implementation of the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC 2004–2008 (GCOS-129). Geneva: World Meteorological Organisation.
GCOS, 2010. Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (2010 update) (GCOS-138), WMO/TD 1523. Geneva: World Meteorological Organisation.
GCOS, 2011. Systematic Observation Requirements for Satellite-Based Data Products for Climate (2011 Update), Supplemental Details to the Satellite-Based Component of the “Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (2010 Update)” (GCOS-154). Geneva: World Meteorological Organisation.
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Fellous, JL. (2014). Global Climate Observing System. In: Njoku, E.G. (eds) Encyclopedia of Remote Sensing. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-36699-9_56
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