The Taunus Observatory (TO) was developed to an observational platform within the ACTRIS-D project. This is part of the European research network ACTRIS (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure). The aim is to measure trace gases and aerosol particles as well as their chemical composition and physical features with highly precise in-situ instruments. After a five-year implementation phase (2021-2026), the continuously measured data is fed to a publicly accessible database from 2026 onwards. Through the continuous data acquisition, changes in the atmospheric constituents can be better understood. The accessibility of the data ensures that researchers from all over the world can answer their research questions better and politicians can base their decisions on these data.
At the TO, in-situ data of trace gases and aerosol particles are acquired. You can find a list of instruments and their respective measured parameters in the following. Since our working group “Experimental Atmospheric Research" works intensively on the topic of new particle formation and nucleation, the additional instruments measure the tiniest aerosol particles and their precursor gases.
- GC-MS: non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs)
- CLD-monitor with photolytic converter: nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, NOx)
- PTR-MS: volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- UV absorption photometer: ozone (O3)
- Nitrate CI-APi-TOF-MS: sulfuric acid (H2SO4), oxidised organic molecules (OOMs) i.a.
- CRDS: carbon monoxide (CO)
- Ion chromatograph: ammonia (NH3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitric acid (HNO3), inorganic components of aerosol particles i.a.
- PSM: Nano particles in the nucleation mode (> 1.3 nm)
- CPC2.5: Particle number concentration > 2.5 nm
- CPC10: Particle number concentration > 10 nm
- SMPS: Particle size spectrum from 10 to 800 nm
- NAIS: Particle size spectrum from 3 to 40 nm and natural ions
- ACSM: Chemical composition of aerosol particles < 1 µm
- APS: Particle size spectrum from 0.3 to 20 µm
- Aethalometer: Absorbance of the aerosol particles in the size range of PM5 and soot concentration
- Integrating Nephelometer: Back scattering of the aerosol particles in the size range of PM5
- Weather sensors to measure the temperature, pressure, humidity and precipitation
- Radiation sensors to measure UVA, UVB, infrared and global radiation
