Pilot GSRN Implementation

Process to nominate and implement a pilot GCOS Surface Reference Network (GSRN)

Following the WMO INFCOM Decision 6.1(6) (INFCOM-2 November 2022), ‘Process to nominate and implement a pilot GCOS Surface Reference Network (GSRN)’, the implementation of the pilot GSRN has now started. The pilot GSRN will serve as the best phase for the GSRN.

It will:

  • Generate the first GSRN data products considering all uncertainty components;
  • Implement procedures on how to manage, process, and archive data;
  • Implement data quality assessment methods (QA / QC); and
  • Generate a certification process for stations.

During the pilot GSRN's implementation, the GSRN Task Team (TT-GSRN) and the GSRN Lead Centre (GSRN-LC) will gather experience on different instrumentation and operational practices and procedures at stations in the member states and across different climate regions, which will provide valuable information for the establishment of the initial GSRN.

In 2023 WMO members were called to nominate stations for the pilot GSRN by completing the proforma (GSRN Pilot station nomination form). The GCOS Secretariat, in consultation with the GSRN-LC and TT-GSRN reviewed the responses. The review also considered the need to have stations in different climatological zones and their global distribution and uniqueness. The final list of the pilot GSRN stations is the following:

GSRN Ref No.Station NameCountry
01Egbert CARECanada
02TN, Crrossville 7NWUSA
03AL, Gadsden 19NUSA
04CabauwThe Netherlands
05ChisinauRepublic of Moldova
06AsNorway
07AachenGermany
08LindenbergGermany
09CambroneUK
10RothamstedUK
11QumacheChina
12XilinhotChina
13PayerneSwitzerland
14Scott BaseNew Zealand
15LauderNew Zealand
16NuukDenmark
17TasiilagDenmark
World map showing climatic zones in various colors, with labeled climatic classifications such as tropical, arid, temperate, and polar, indicating climate differences globally.


If you wish to discuss the nomination of a new station, please contact ctassone@wmo.int.