WCC-NOx
The World Calibration Center for Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen oxides, the sum of nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are compounds of natural and anthropogenic origin. Besides their adverse effects on human health, nitrogen oxides are key components governing atmospheric chemistry. Long-term, quality-assured observations are needed to monitor our atmosphere and identify changes and trends.
The World Calibration Center for Nitrogen Oxides within GAW
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) program links worldwide atmospheric observations into a global network to improve our understanding of atmospheric processes and the interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere, and oceans.
The mission of GAW as it is described in its strategic plan is to
- Reduce environmental risks to society and meet the requirements of environmental conventions
- Strengthen capabilities to predict climate, weather and air quality
- Contribute to scientific assessments in support of environmental policy
The monitoring network for nitrogen oxides consists of 160 stations measuring, among them 17 global stations which offer a comprehensive set of measurements and a large observational footprint.
Regional and world calibration centers are important cornerstones in the data quality strategy of GAW. The world calibration center for nitrogen oxides (WCC-NOx) is hosted at our institute.
The Calibration Center for Nitrogen Oxides within ACTRIS
ACTRIS (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure) is one of the Landmark Research Infrastructures of the ‘European Strategic Forum on Research Infrastructures’ (ESFRI).
ACTRIS runs a pan-European network of observatories and simulation chambers to study short-lived atmospheric constituents. ACTRIS provides effective access for a wide user community to its resources and services, to facilitate high-quality Earth system research.
ACTRIS is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for the implementation and by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) for the operation. The WCC-NOx is also responsible for the quality assurance of NOx measurements in ACTRIS within the Topical Centre CiGas.
The Tasks of the World Calibration Center for NOx within ACTRIS and GAW are
- Developing standard operation procedures
- Ensuring traceability of standards
- Conducting station audits
- Participation in round-robin experiments and intercomparisons
- Providing training and advice to station scientists and technicians
Contact
Dr. Robert WegenerSenior Scientist
Head of group "Energy Related Emissions"Building 05.2 / Room 3053+49 2461/61-6914
Last Modified: 28.03.2025