Boundary-layer Air Quality-analysis Using Network of Instruments

Period: October 2019 - February 2022

Introduction

The BAQUNIN project includes a super-site located in an urban environment (Rome) relevant for the characterization and monitoring of atmospheric pollution. Furthermore, the site is close to the Tyrrhenian coast and therefore is exposed to the sea breeze as well as to aerosol events such as Saharan dust often transported to the Mediterranean region. Rome is also subject to weather events especially in autumn and winter. This atmospheric configuration is unique in Europe. Another point of uniqueness of the BAQUNIN super-site is the presence of equipment belonging to different international networks: AERONET, EUROSKYRAD, EUBREWNET and PGN. This implies that quality procedures and protocols are applied in the project, thus obtaining precise and accurate analyzes and monitoring of the atmosphere.

Description

The BAQUNIN super-site includes remote sensing and in situ measurements operating in synergy that offer qualitative and quantitative information of different atmospheric parameters for the validation of satellite products and specific studies of the boundary layer (Planetary Boundary Layer, PBL). The instruments are located in three different sites: urban component (Department of Physics, Universià La Sapienza, Rome); a semi-rural component (CNR-ISAC, Tor Vergata) and a rural component (CNR-IIA, Montelibretti).

Aims

The main objective of the project is the validation of satellite atmospheric products, from aerosols to the concentration of trace gases. This objective is achieved by the synergy of expert researchers from SERCO, Department of Physics of the La Sapienza University, CNR-ISAC and CNR-IIA. The responsibilities of the team range from the operation of the ground instrumentation to the participation of the Cal / Val teams satellite for the definition of validation protocols. The second objective is the study of the boundary layer in an urban environment through the use of the information contained in the data acquired during the project.

CNR-IIA activities

Management and operation of the instrumentation located in the Liberto station (AdR Montelibretti).  

Participants

• Department of Physics - LA SAPIENZA UNIVERSITY
• CNR-IIA
• CNR-ISAC
• SERCO ITALIA SpA
• SARDINIA CLIMA Onlus

Working group