What is RADO?

The Romanian Atmospheric 3D research Observatory–RADO is a distributed atmospheric research infrastructure based on the voluntary association of several research institutes and universities in Romania.

RADO set up was financed by Norwegian Grants (Norwegian Cooperation Programme for Romania) and co-financed by Romanian National Agency for Scientific Research (2009 - 2011). During its first 3 years of development, RADO was mentored by the Norwegian Institute for Air Research.

Main function of the observatory is to perform experimental and theoretical research for atmospheric composition and air quality assessment, including impact on climate and climate variability. Observational data (air chemistry, layering, meteorology) are collected at 4 urban sites (Baneasa–North Bucharest, Iasi, Timisoara and Cluj-Napoca) and one super site (INOE, Magurele–South Bucharest). 

RADO uses active remote sensing techniques (aerosol, ozone and water vapor lidars, sodar), passive remote sensors (sun photometers, microwave radiometer), in situ monitors and satellite data, offering an unique potential for real-time atmospheric monitoring and assessment. Data collected at the 5 stations fulfil the international quality standards, thus being able to provide high-quality information for various applications: air quality, climate change, risk and hazard, correlative measurements and satellite products validation, etc

Beyond operational monitoring activities, advanced data processing, analysis and correlations is performed to study the PBL (Planetary Boundary Layer), climatology of aerosols, their impact on cloud formation, correlation process involving various pollutants, seasonal and regional characteristics.

RADO offers trans-national access to infrastructure within ACTRIS.

RADO is also the promoter of the ACTRIS-RO ESFRI (European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures) initiative. The consortium behind this action has in view to encourage the establishment and development of a national atmospheric (aerosol – cloud – trace gases) research infrastructure, to promote it on the national roadmap, as well as to strength its position in the ESFRI framework of the European research infrastructure.