Analysis of atmospheric process by in-situ "near-surface" observations

Created February 26, 2026

Updated on February 26, 2026

approved

Mt. Cimone: Provision of a high-mountain platform for investigation of atmospheric processes related to reactive and greenhouse gases, aerosol and clouds. The 'O. Vittori' observatory is the only high mountain station for atmospheric research both South of the Alps and the Po basin: it represents a strategic platform to study the South Europe and Mediterranean basin troposphere and the anthropogenic emissions from the Po basin. At this platform, co-located atmospheric ICOS and ACTRIS observations exist. Continuous measurement programmes for aerosol properties (physical/optical properties), trace gases (GHG and reactive), meteorological parameters are carried out at Mt. Cimone. Most of these measurements are ICOS-, ACTRIS-, or INGOS- compliant in terms of equipment, materials and SOP. CMN-PV offers access to state-of-art technical and scientific equipment at the 'O. Vittori' observatory. In particular, 2 sampling systems for trace gases and aerosol particles are available. The aerosol sampling system is equipped with T and RH monitoring. Multiple inlets are available for the external users (1/4” for gases, ¼”, ½” and ¾” for aerosol). One slot is available indoor for hosting one guest instrument for remote sensing. The terrace (about 40 m2) is equipped for hosting experimental activity and a small chemistry laboratory permits a clean treatment of collected samplings. Air-conditioning systems are available at the laboratories where instruments are located together with devices for protection by power surges and lightning. Fast internet connection allows real/time data delivery and remote control of acquisition systems. The "O. Vittori" observatory is equipped for overnight stay (max 5 people). Also a small kitchen is available. Bologna: Provision of an urban platform for investigation of atmospheric processes related to reactive and greenhouse gases, aerosol and clouds. The measurement site is classified as urban background. The A14 motorway, BLQ international airport and the city center are located 0.8 km to North, 2.6 km to West and 1.7 km to South. The facility is hosted in an air-conditioned shelter (15 m2) located at the roof of CNR-ISAC HQs (39 m a.g.l.) equipped with fast internet connection which allows for real-time data delivery and remote control of instrumentations. Two sampling systems (ACTRIS-compliant) designed for trace gases and aerosol particles (respectively) are available at the station. Both the sampling systems are characterized by monitoring of T and RH with active control of air fluxes. Multiple inlets to the sampling systems are available for the external users (diameters: ¼” for trace gases and ¼”, ½” and ¾” for aerosol). Three quartz windows (one on the roof, two on the walls) are available for vertical and horizontal remote sensing observations. Host instrumentations are represented by one ozone UV-absorption analyzer, one chemioluminescence NOx analyzer (with pre-reactor) and one meteorological station. A secondary ozone calibrator is available at the CNR-ISAC HQs. During 2022 the instrumental suite will be implemented (calibration facility for NOx, OPC, nephelometer). Submicron aerosol chemical composition by HR-ToF-AMS and equivalent black carbon observations are available by ARPAE-Emilia Romagna at the nearby "Supersito" site. San Pietro Capofiume: Provision of a rural platform for investigation of atmospheric processes related to reactive and greenhouse gases, aerosol and clouds. The facility is equipped with surface meteorological measurements, in-situ near-surface monitoring of SO2, near-surface aerosol absorption measurements, aerosol number concentrations by aerosol optical counter (OPC), columnar aerosol properties (sun photometry, ceilometer), and radiative balance and albedo description (solar tracker equipped with radiometers for solar and thermal down-welling radiation). Particulate matter sampling for atmospheric chemical speciation and speciation of non-refractory chemical species (by Aerosol Mass Specrometer, AMS) can be set up during intensive observation periods. A MAX-DOAS system (SkySpec-2D-210) is available at the station (NO2, HCHO, HONO, Glyoxal, Ozone). Further observations will be implemented during 2025: measurements of number concentration (by twin - DMPS in collaboration with the University of Kuopio), aerosol vertical profiling (lidar), near-surface aerosol scattering measurements, near-surface anthropogenic VOCs. ARPAE Emilia-Romagna runs near-surface measurements of nitrogen oxides, ozone and ammonia, as well as meteo-radar measurements, radio soundings (at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC) and operates a phenological station.

Tags:

Item URL

https://data.d4science.org/ctlg/ITINERIS-HUB/analysis_of_atmospheric_process_by_in_situ_near_surface_observations

Basic

Abbreviation

Analysis of atmospheric process by in-situ "near-surface" observations

Research Infrastructure

ACTRIS

Resource Providers

CNR-ISAC Bologna

Webpage

https://atmo-access.isac.cnr.it/san_pietro_capofiume

Marketing

Description

The facility is hosted in an air-conditioned shelter (15 m2) equipped with fast internet connection which allows for real-time data delivery and remote control of instrumentations. 5 kW. Two sampling systems (ACTRIS-compliant) designed for trace gases and aerosol particles (respectively) are available at the station. Both the sampling systems are characterized by monitoring of T and RH with active control of air fluxes. Multiple inlets to the sampling systems are available for the external users (diameters: ¼” for trace gases and ¼”, ½” and ¾” for aerosol). Three quartz windows (one on the roof, two on the walls) are available for vertical and horizontal remote sensing observations. Support structures for research activities are available at the field station: a chemistry laboratory, wi-fi covering the entire area, distribution of electric current through specific towers in different locations of the field, and a 10-m two-storey tower. This service includes: (i) Administrative support for helping the users with shipping of materials (before and after the campaign). (ii) Administrative support for the fulfilment of the internal procedures related with the provision of access. (iii) Storing of the equipment at the CNR-ISAC headquarters before and after the access. (iv) Technical support at the infrastructure by senior technicians, including support during installation of equipment and execution of measurements. (v) Interaction with senior atmospheric scientists for data interpretation and optimal definition of experiment strategy. (vi) Access to chemistry laboratories and instrumental workshops at CNR-ISAC HQs. (vii Activation of data delivery service and access to data routinely recorded at the station. (viii) Access to the air quality and weather forecasts routinely produced by CNR-ISAC. (ix) Access to storage and computation resources available at CNR-ISAC HQs for the duration of the TNA+12 months. (x) For Mt. Cimone: shipping to the infrastructure from Bologna (not dangerous goods) for equipment with total volume < 2 m3 (max: 350 kg) except during snow season. The transport of dangerous goods or larger/heavier materials which need special vehicles is NOT included in the offered services. (xi) For Mt. Cimone: daily transportation of max 2 users to the infrastructure (during the snow season this cannot be fully guaranteed). Not-UE users equipped with their own car/van must have an International Driving Permit valid in the EU. (xii) For San Pietro Capofiume: daily transportation of max 3 users to the facility. Not-UE users equipped with their own car/van must have an International Driving Permit valid in the EU. (xiii) For San Pietro Capofiume: transport to the infrastructure from Bologna (not dangerous goods) for equipment with total volume less than 2 m3 (max: 350 kg). The transport of dangerous good or larger/heavier materials which need special vehicles is NOT included in the offered services. LOCATION: 1) Italy, Mt. Cimone (Modena): The 'O. Vittori' observatory at Mt. Cimone (44°12' N, 10°42' E, 2165 m a.s.l.), is a research facility managed by the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) and hosted by the Italian Air Force (CAMM). 2) Italy, Bologna: The CMN-PV facility at Bologna is located on the roof of the CNR-ISAC HQs (25 m a.g.l.) within the CNR campus (Via Gobetti 101) at the city suburbs. 3) Italy, S. Pietro Capofiume (Bologna) The CMN-PV facility at S. Pietro Capofiume (50 km from Bologna) is located at the meteorological station "Giorgio Fea" which is owned by ARPAE Emilia-Romagna (43°21'N, 12°34'E, 11 m asl). The measurement site is classified as rural background.

Logo

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Classification

Access Types

Physical
Remote

Access mode

Peer Reviewed