Download Estonian – Finnish cooperation in Biosphere

Estonian – Finnish cooperation in Biosphere-Atmosphere, Climate Change and Air Quality
Interactions in SMEAR stations (continuation)
What has been done so far?
Since 2008, the aerosol size distribution and ecosystem scale measurements at the Liispõllu
ecosystem tower in Järvselja have been carried out during different campaigns. This was
preparatory stage of the establishment of SMEAR station at Järvselja.
Since summer 2012, the continuous routine measurements of air ion and aerosol particle size
distributions started at the Liispõllu site at Järvselja, using existing equipment. The measuring
system was equipped with internet based remote-controlled system for data transfer and monitoring
of the technical state of devices.
Next steps in the near future.
During the next years, the SMEAR station at Järvselja will be gradually established using funding
allocated by the Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap project “Estonian Environmental
Observatory” (2011–2015). The measurements at Liispõllu site will be gradually carried over to the
new place at SMEAR station. These works can be started after the 130 meter tall meteorological
mast is build up, probably in the beginning of autumn 2013.
Afterwards, the station will be equipped with new aerosol and air ion spectrometers, trace gas
analyzers, radon and gamma-radiation monitors, aerosol flux measurement technique (eddy
covariation method) and different meteorological sensors.
Participation in the European atmospheric aerosol research network ACTRIS (Aerosols, Clouds,
and Trace gases Research Infra Structure Network (2011-2015); http://www.actris.net/) is foreseen.
The University of Tartu is acting as an associated partner s since 29.02.2012.
Next steps in SMEAR cooperation with Finland.
The Estonian SMEAR station will be ready to join with the Finnish SMEAR stations network
(http://www.atm.helsinki.fi/SMEAR/) in the end of 2013 or in the beginning of 2014.
The declaration of joint activities within SMEAR network needs to be worked out and
signified. The instrumentation in the SMEAR stations in Finland and Estonia will be harmonized;
the measurements and data protocols will be standardized.
We propose the following joint activities:
 Efficient usage of the available and new SMEAR infrastructure facilities including equipments,
exchange of databases, and expertise.
 Experimental and theoretical investigation of the formation and dynamics of aerosol particles,
air ions and neutral clusters in the lower atmosphere, with the emphasis on biogenic formation
mechanisms and their linkage to biosphere-atmosphere exchange processes of trace gases and
biogeochemical cycles.
 Investigation of atmospheric aerosols, trace gases mass fluxes and vertical distribution in the
lower atmosphere applying tall towers (Valgjärve tower and new SMEAR tower) to understand
the aerosol precursors and CO2/aerosol/trace gas interactions.
 Continuation of the organization of joint scientific workshops and seminars for the knowledge
transfer and planning of joint activities.

Development and modernization measurement techniques – air ion and aerosol spectrometers,
in collaboration with instrument-making small enterprises (AIREL Ltd); organization of
measurement devices inter-calibration workshops.
Contacts:
Dr. Steffen M. Noe, Estonian University of Life Sciences.
[email protected], +372-7313207
Dr. Urmas Hõrrak, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu.
[email protected],+372-7375857
Dr. Anu Reinart, Tartu Observatory, Tõravere, Tartu County, Estonia.
[email protected], +372-7410265
Dr. Aarne Männik, Estonian Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (EMHI).
[email protected], +372-51972053
Prof. Markku Kulmala, University of Helsinki, Department of Physics.
[email protected], +358-405962311