Global Water Vapor Project (GVaP)

Water vapor, the most significant greenhouse gas, plays a fundamental role in the energy and water cycle processes that determine weather and climate. The accurate global measurement, modelling, and long-term prediction of water vapor is the primary goal of the GVaP.

GVaP completed a successful Pilot Phase. Development of a global water vapor climatology data set (available on the NVAP CD-ROM) and advancement of validation processes during this initial thrust, led the GEWEX Scientific Steering Group (SSG) to conclude that the success of the pilot period, coupled with recognition of the potential importance of upper tropospheric and lower stratospheric water vapor for GEWEX had set the stage for GVaP to make major contributions to GEWEX.

NVAP total water column loop for July 1999.

Point of Contact

Dr. Brian Soden (Science Chair)
GFDL/NOAA
Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey USA
E-mail: bjs@gfdl.noaa.gov