GAW-PFR Network

Atmosphärische TrübungGAW-PFR Network

Überblick

Das Global Atmosphere Watch Precision Filter Radiometer (GAW-PFR) Network ist ein internationales Netzwerk von PFRs zur Messung der optischen Aerosoltiefe (AOD) an GAW-Basisstationen. Das PMOD/WRC bietet Kalibrierungsdienste an und hat eine webbasierte Benutzeroberfläche für die Übermittlung von AOD-Daten an das World Data Center for Aerosols (WDCA) entwickelt.

Introduction and Motivation

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) instigated the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) programme in 1989 as a successor to the Background Air Pollution Monitoring Network (BAPMoN).

During a 1993 workshop it was recommended that Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) measurements, conducted previously under BAPMoN, should be discontinued until new instruments, methods and protocols were established to collect AOD data of known and assured quality.

Based on a recommendation by GAW experts in 1995, the World Optical Depth Research and Calibration Center (WORCC) was established in 1996 at the PMOD/WRC as one of the Swiss conributions to GAW. WORCC has since been advised by the GAW Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) for Aerosols. Twelve existing GAW stations were chosen for the deployment and operation of 12 “N” type PFRs, provided by the Swiss Government. WORCC was assigned the following tasks:

  • Development of a radiometric reference for spectral radiometry to determine AOD.
  • Development of procedures to ensure worldwide homogeneity of AOD observations.
  • Development of new instrumentation and methods for AOD.
  • Implementation of an AOD network at GAW Global observatories including quality control and quality assurance of data, called GAW-PFR.
  • Training operators to use and maintain AOD instruments.

Mandate

  • Homogenisation of global AOD through provision of traceability to the World Standard Group (WSG) of spectral radiometers for contributing networks at co-located sites and/or periodic international filter radiometer comparisons, and further standardisation of evaluation algorithms.
  • Maintenance of the WSG suitable for contributing AOD networks at four PFR wavelengths.
  • Long-term operation of an AOD network (GAW-PFR network) and associated stations, including submission of quality controlled data to the World Data Center for Aerosols (WDCA), and maintenance of its internal calibration hierarchy.
  • Development of a central facility with web-based user-interface for unified processing, archiving and presentation of PFR measurements from GAW-PFR and associated stations (automisation of routine data submission and processing protocols).
  • Development of support equipment and procedures to enable online data collection from GAW-PFR and provision of preliminary results in near real-time.
For further information please contact: Dr. Stelios Kazadzis, Dr. Natalia Kouremeti