A composite water vapor observing system for atmospheric science applications

An interagency team of scientists have prepared an implementation plan for a composite water vapor observing system for atmospheric science applications. The team has a broad breadth of experience in the vertically integrated activities that could lead to a composite system producing useful fields of information-by the year 2001. This paper briefly reviews the main socioeconomic requirements which are driving these water vapor measurements; describes the planned elements for the composite system; and challenges the remote sensing community to suggest further viable improvements, subject to the constraints listed in the paper.<>