ICOS – A Network of Observation Sites for Climate Research
“This knowledge is important in enabling us to take the right steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases," says Anders Lindroth, Professor at Lund University and responsible for the Swedish component of the infrastructure project. A tighter network of stations can generate information on the cycle of greenhouse gases down to regional level. Scientists hope to get down to a resolution of 10x10 to 20x20 kilometres.
“Then we can measure the effects of different interventions on the climate system in Swedish regions. For instance, we should be able to see the increased uptake of carbon dioxide in a forest that has been fertilised to promote growth."
Measure typical Swedish ecosystems
Two types of observation sites are used – ecosystem stations that measure the exchange of selected greenhouse gases between an ecosystem and the atmosphere, and atmospheric stations 100 to 200 metres high that measure the concentration of the same gases. By combining the measurements and computer models, scientists can, e.g. calculate the strength of gas sources and sinks that influence concentrations in the atmosphere and how they are distributed across the land surface.
Sweden will have six ecosystems stations, three of which will double as atmospheric stations. They will be placed from Stordalen (east of Abisko) in the north to Lund in the south in typical Swedish ecosystems such as permafrost, swamps, forests, and fields.
“We will need to build a completely new observation site outside of Lund. But otherwise we can use existing stations and even existing measurements. This will give us long series of measurements, which is important in helping to understand how climate — which of course itself varies — influences the balance of greenhouse gases.
Observation sites in 16 countries
Currently 16 nations participate in the project, called the Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS). Researchers from the universities in Lund, Göteborg, and Stockholm, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences participate in the Swedish collaboration.
The Swedish Research Council provides funding for the project through a so-called comprehensive infrastructure grant.
“We have just started contract negotiations, so the amounts have not yet been decided, but it´s an investment of around 40 million Swedish kronor (SEK) and an operational grant of approximately SEK 10 million per year. Participating universities will contribute to the operational aspects."
Text: Siv Engelmark Cederborg
Anders Lindroth, professor Lunds University and responsible for the Swedish component of the infrastructure project. Photo: Mikael Risedal.
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