The Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) directs the scientific and implementation planning of the program, setting the program goals, implementation strategies, and research challenges to be pursued. It is comprised of nine members with expertise spanning the breadth of the US CLIVAR agenda and diversity of representation. The SSC consists of a chair, two co-chairs, and the co-chairs of its three panels, ensuring effective communication between the SSC and the panels. Members meet primarily via teleconferences and an in-person meeting with the Inter-Agency Group at least once a year. 

Terms of Reference

1. Provide overall scientific and programmatic guidance to ensure that US CLIVAR progresses towards achieving its scientific objectives using individual experts or expert groups as necessary;
2. Develop and update as needed an implementation strategy to prioritize and sequence US CLIVAR activities, and comment on agency implementation of the US CLIVAR Program;
3. Promote balance within the various elements (theory, modeling, empirical studies, long-term observations and field campaigns) of the program and identify scientific gaps;
4. Ensure that US CLIVAR activities are coordinated with international CLIVAR activities and other USGCRP elements;
5. Provide oversight and coordination of, and guidance to US CLIVAR working groups;
6. Provide advice for and implement, in consultation with other advisory bodies, effective transition of sustained observations initiated during CLIVAR to operational entities after they have demonstrated their usefulness for climate predictions;
7. Keep the NRC/CRC appraised of the status of US CLIVAR, and acts as US liaison to the International CLIVAR SSG;
8. Provide oversight of and guidance to the US CLIVAR Project Office.