https://cdn.earthdata.nasa.gov/conduit/upload/5182/KeywordsCommunityGuide_Baseline_v1_SIGNED_FINAL.pdf 23.7 2026-04-15T10:53:30.610Z https://gcmd.earthdata.nasa.gov/KeywordViewer/scheme/projects/453a6807-abfa-481b-95b3-60bacf2cbb73 GATE The purpose of the GATE experiment was to understand thetropical atmosphere and its role in the global circulation ofthe atmosphere. It was the first major experiment of the GlobalAtmospheric Research program, whose goal was to understand thepredictability of the atmosphere and extend the time range ofdaily weather forecasts to over two weeks.The experiment took place in the summer of 1974 in anexperimental area that covered the tropical Atlantic Ocean fromAfrica to South America. The work was truly international inscope, and involved 40 research ships, 12 research aircraft,numerous buoys from 20 countries all equipped to obtain theobservations specified in the scientific plan. The operationswere directed by the International Project Office located inSenegal. The Project Office staff was seconded by the nationsinvolved. The Scientific Director was from the United States andthe Deputy Scientific Director was from the Soviet Union.An operational plan was developed each day based on themeteorological situation and each ship and aircraft carried outthe plan. The data collected were processed by nationsparticipating in accordance with an overall plan and madeavailable without restrictions to all scientists in theworld. Research using these data still goes on today, nearly 25years later, and it is estimated that over a thousand papershave been published based on the data collected during thisshort period in 1974.The experiment involved the world's best scientists, all typesof engineers, technicians, pilots, ship captains, logisticsspecialists, computer specialists, as well as senior policymakers from science agencies and foreign ministries in a largenumber of countries. A high percentage of the individualsinvolved are still active and could contribute their views.For more information, link to 'http://www.ametsoc.org/ams/sloan/gate/'