Observation Technology

Our atmospheric research station is equipped with a diverse range of state-of-the-art instruments designed to monitor key atmospheric parameters through both in situ and remote sensing techniques. This advanced observation infrastructure enables continuous, high-resolution measurements critical for climate, air quality, and atmospheric process studies.

We employ a combination of:

  • In situ instruments, which provide direct sampling and analysis of atmospheric constituents at ground level, and

  • Remote sensing systems, which retrieve vertical and column-integrated information using optical, microwave, or laser-based techniques.

Our instrumentation covers a wide array of measurement categories:

  • Aerosol characterization: Particle number size distributions (SMPS, APS, CPC, GRIMM EDM180), chemical composition (ACSM), black carbon concentrations (Aethalometer AE33), cloud condensation nuclei (CCN Counter), and biological aerosols (Rapid-E).

  • Cloud and atmospheric profiling: Active remote sensing tools such as Doppler cloud radar, ceilometer, wind lidar, and microwave radiometer allow for vertical measurements of clouds, humidity, and wind dynamics.

  • Radiation monitoring: Pyranometers (CMP22) provide continuous measurements of solar irradiance, while a CE318-T lunar photometer retrieves aerosol optical depth and related optical parameters.

  • Trace and greenhouse gas observations: Instruments such as the Pandora DOAS and EM27/SUN FTIR spectrometer monitor reactive trace gases (e.g. NO₂, O₃) and greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄) with high precision.

  • Meteorological parameters: A full suite of surface measurements including temperature, humidity, pressure, wind, and precipitation support contextual data for all atmospheric observations.

Our station is integrated into major international atmospheric research networks such as ACTRIS, AERONET, and WMO-GAW, ensuring harmonized data quality standards and open access to high-value environmental data.

This technological backbone supports our mission to contribute to long-term atmospheric monitoring, facilitate cutting-edge research, and inform environmental and climate-related policies at national and European levels.