Key Scientific Themes

Advancing Atmospheric Science for a Sustainable Future

ACTRIS provides high-precision observations and scientific expertise to improve our understanding of atmospheric processes. Our work is crucial for addressing global challenges such as climate change, air quality, and environmental sustainability.

ACTRIS is structured around six key scientific components that support atmospheric research and technological advancements. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring high-quality observations, data services, and scientific impact.

Aerosol In Situ coordinated by the ACTRIS Centre for Aerosol In Situ Measurement (CAIS-ECAC)
Aerosol Remote Sensing coordinated by the ACTRIS Centre for Aerosol Remote Sensing (CARS)
Cloud In Situ coordinated by the ACTRIS Centre for Cloud In Situ Measurement (CIS)
Cloud Remote Sensing coordinated by the ACTRIS Centre for Cloud Remote Sensing (CCRES)
Reactive Trace Gases In Situ coordinated by the ACTRIS Centre for Reactive Trace Gases In Situ (CiGas)
Reactive Trace Gases Remote Sensing by the ACTRIS Centre for Reactive Trace Gases Remote Sensing (CREGARS)

ACTRIS Key Scientific Application

Aerosols & Their Impact on Climate

Why It Matters: Aerosols influence climate by affecting cloud formation, precipitation, and solar radiation balance. Understanding their role is crucial for accurate climate predictions.

Studying aerosol sources, transformation processes, and removal mechanisms
Quantifying their impact on radiative forcing and climate feedbacks
Providing long-term, high-quality aerosol datasets to improve climate models

Cloud Formation & Atmospheric Interactions

Why It Matters: Clouds play a fundamental role in Earth’s energy balance and precipitation patterns. Their interactions with aerosols remain a major uncertainty in climate science.

Investigating cloud microphysics and their dependence on atmospheric conditions
Understanding how aerosols affect cloud properties and precipitation
Linking ground-based observations with satellite and airborne data

Trace Gases & Atmospheric Chemistry

Why It Matters: Trace gases like ozone, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) drive atmospheric chemistry, affecting air quality, human health, and climate.

Monitoring reactive gases and their sources at high precision
Studying chemical transformations in the atmosphere
Assessing their role in air pollution, climate forcing, and ecosystem interactions

Advanced Atmospheric Observations & Technology Development

Why It Matters: Cutting-edge measurement techniques enable more precise and reliable monitoring of the atmosphere, improving scientific models and applications.

Developing and deploying state-of-the-art instrumentation
Ensuring high-quality calibration and validation standards for observations
Supporting international efforts in climate monitoring and environmental policy

Modeling & Satellite Data Synergies

Why It Matters: Ground-based measurements from ACTRIS enhance satellite remote sensing capabilities and improve global climate models.

Providing reference data for satellite calibration and validation
Bridging observational gaps between different atmospheric monitoring platforms
Strengthening model-data assimilation for better environmental forecasting

Innovation in Environmental Monitoring

Why It Matters: Continuous improvement in observational techniques and data processing drives innovation in climate science, air quality monitoring, and environmental sustainability.