Russia report agenda item 7

CURRENT STATUS OF GLOSS IN RUSSIAGE9 Paris, 2005 : CURRENT STATUS OF GLOSS IN RUSSIA GE9 Paris, 2005 Oleg I. Zilberstein, Russia, Moscow, HydroMetCentre of Russia , E-mail: lmar@nm.ru


Slide2 : * data is available on-line All sea level site marks except those located on islands are determined relative to the unified national geodetic reference system with its basic landmark - zero datum of the tide-gauge in Kronstadt.


Slide3 : Russian GLOSS Stations


CURRENT STATUS OF GLOSS IN RUSSIA : CURRENT STATUS OF GLOSS IN RUSSIA GLOSS in Russia is based upon the observational network of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet). Observations made by Roshydromet regional bodies are sent to the All-Russian Research Institute for Hydrometeorological Information - World Data Centre (ARRIHI-WDC) in Obninsk for cataloguing and archiving. This institute forwards monthly and annual mean sea level values of Russian GLOSS stations to PSMSL and to Specialized IGOSS Sea Level Centre in Pacific (Honolulu).


In compliance with international obligations, Russia sends monthly and annual mean sea level values of 8 stations. Now only 5 of them are working in the real time mode. The initial set of sites originally offered by the USSR was included in the GLOSS plan and published in 1990 (Tab. 1). : In compliance with international obligations, Russia sends monthly and annual mean sea level values of 8 stations. Now only 5 of them are working in the real time mode. The initial set of sites originally offered by the USSR was included in the GLOSS plan and published in 1990 (Tab. 1). Table 1. Initial set of GLOSS sites


Slide6 : In 1991 at the GLOSS meeting in Leningrad it was suggested that the Russian GLOSS network should be complemented with several Arctic and Antarctic stations. Taking into consideration a proposal of some GLOSS experts it was offered to add 5 Russian Antarctic stations to the GLOSS network (Tabl. 2). Table 2. Russian GLOSS sites in Antarctic However, that decision seemed to be taken without knowing the situation at Russian Antarctic stations. In fact, it is unlikely that sea level observations can be organised even at one or two Antarctic sites. Since 2002 at stations Mirny and Progress the Russian Antarctic Expedition has been carrying out sea level measurements using gauges produced in Russia and based on a hydrostatic principle. If the Russian Antarctic Expedition staff is able to maintain sea level observations and to provide their quality in the future, the information from these stations will available for the GLOSS comminity.


The Third GLOSS Experts Meeting suggested that Russia should add 5 more stations into its GLOSS network (Tabl. 3). : The Third GLOSS Experts Meeting suggested that Russia should add 5 more stations into its GLOSS network (Tabl. 3). Table 3. List of “new” Russian GLOSS stations Till now Roshydromet has not obtained a permit to transfer the data from these stations to the international data exchange.


Quality of observations (and traditional Russian problems) : Quality of observations (and traditional Russian problems) All sea level site heights are determined relatively to major and auxiliary geodetic marks. All the marks except those located on islands are attached to the unified national geodetic reference system with its basic landmark - zero datum of the tide-gauge in Kronstadt. The level measurement accuracy at 5 Russian GLOSS stations meets GLOSS requirements. Sea level errors do not exceed 1-2 cm, and the timing error is less than 1 minute. Unfortunately, the accuracy of regular routine observations is a little worse, and there are considerable time shifts between observations. At some stations tide gauges were damaged or lacking, and observation are made by measuring rods. We have to confess that for the past several years quality of metocean observations has become worse, which is related to general reduction of the observational network, financial strait, and staff shortages at observing sites. These difficulties are most pronounced at many stations difficult to access. It should be noted, that provision of stations functioning in accordance with GLOSS requirements faces similar difficulties as of all sites of the Roshydromet observational network.