«Top of Europe» for greenhouse gas measurements

Greenhouse gas emissions are a threat that calls for global solutions. A network of measuring stations from all over Europe monitors and analyses the spatial distribution and trends in our atmosphere, ecosystems and the oceans and provides valuable data on the development of global emissions. Measuring the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the exchange of these gases between atmosphere, biosphere and the oceans is essential for understanding climate change and predicting potential consequences.

However, until recently there were no strict guidelines to provide high-precision, comparable data. The Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) was thus launched in November 2015. The inclusion of biospheric, oceanic and atmospheric measuring stations in this network is linked to strict criteria to ensure that the data meet the highest quality standards. Last November, the first seven measuring stations were certified – and, as of today, the highest lab in Switzerland at Jungfraujoch also belongs to this illustrious circle. To obtain an ICOS certification, the stations must meet demanding international standards for instrumentation, calibration and data processing and ensure complete transparency of the entire data chain. «The information on greenhouse gases gathered from all over Europe is essential for national governments to improve their mitigation measures,» said ICOS Director General Werner Kutsch. This data is also relevant for intergovernmental organizations in order to make informed decisions and to meet the requirements of international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.

As part of ICOS, the research station at Jungfraujoch measures carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon monoxide (CO). With its location at 3500 meters above sea level, it is mainly located in the so-called free troposphere. Measurements at this level provide key information for quantifying emission levels in polluted environments.

In addition, polluted air masses from lower regions reach the Jungfraujoch every now and then. The analysis of these episodes makes it possible to identify and quantify different sources of greenhouse gases in Central Europe. «Although we have been measuring greenhouse gases at Jungfraujoch for many years, ICOS has enabled us to further improve the quality of our data», explains Martin Steinbacher from Empa’s «Air Pollutants / Environmental Technology» lab. «International cooperation as well as cooperation with many national partners is central to achieving this unique data availability and quality.» ICOS measurements at Jungfraujoch are also carried out by the University of Berne, the University of Basel and MeteoSwiss. The laboratory is operated by the International Foundation for High-Alpine Research Stations Jungfraujoch and Gornergrat (HFSJG).