Romanian Atmospheric Observatory

At our site, comprehensive atmospheric monitoring is carried out using a combination of ground-based remote sensing and in situ measurement techniques. The infrastructure enables continuous observation of aerosol properties, trace gases, and cloud-related processes, supporting both scientific research and environmental assessment. A lidar system, operating at multiple wavelengths with depolarization capability, provides vertical profiles of aerosol layers throughout the troposphere. These data reveal the transport and evolution of particulate matter, including smoke from biomass burning and dust from desert regions. A co-located sun photometer complements the retrievals with information on optical depth, particle size, and absorption.

At the surface, aerosol composition and concentration are monitored with a suite of high-precision instruments, including a chemical speciation monitor, an Aethalometer for black carbon analysis, a condensation particle counter, and mobility and aerodynamic particle sizers. A bioaerosol detector installed on the outdoor platform allows the characterization of biological particles. These observations reveal strong diurnal and seasonal trends, influenced by human activity and meteorological conditions.

For cloud and precipitation monitoring, the instrumentation includes a radar for cloud structure profiling (operating at 35 or 94 GHz, depending on observation needs), a scanning Doppler lidar for wind retrievals, a microwave radiometer for vertical temperature and humidity profiles, and a ceilometer for cloud base detection. A disdrometer provides real-time information on precipitation type and droplet size distribution, supporting the classification of rain, snow, and mixed-phase events.

Measurements of trace and greenhouse gases, including nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane, are obtained through a combination of remote sensing and in situ techniques. A solar-viewing spectrometer and a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) system provide total column concentrations, while a gas analyzer offers continuous surface-level measurements. These datasets are crucial for understanding local and regional air composition and validating satellite retrievals. Together, these integrated observational capabilities provide a high-resolution picture of atmospheric processes over southeastern Europe and contribute to ongoing efforts in air quality research, climate studies, and satellite data validation.