ICOS Sweden infrastructure upgrade and renewal

ICOS Sweden is a part of the European Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS RI).

The overall objective of ICOS RI is to provide scientists and policy makers with high-quality data to improve our understanding of the biogeochemical cycles of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and their key drivers in European ecosystems and adjacent regions.ICOS Sweden contributes with a national observation network consisting of six Ecosystem stations (three forests, and three mires), three Atmosphere stations, and two Ocean stations.

The Ecosystem stations measure the exchange of GHGs between ecosystems and the atmosphere; the Atmosphere stations include tall-tower measurements of GHG concentrations in the well-mixed boundary-layer; and the Ocean stations observe carbon exchange in the Baltic Sea.

These stations are essential for ICOS RI, as they provide otherwise scarce data from northern latitudes, which are undergoing the fastest climate change in the world.The ICOS Sweden research infrastructure is in place and has been in operation at most stations since 2014.

Due to financial limitations during the past funding periods, the funding for instrument renewal, crucial for maintaining a robust measurement system, has been inadequate. Furthermore, as new challenges arise, the European ICOS RI is planning for extensions of the measurement spectrum.

To meet these challenges, we seek funding for three categories: A) renewing sensors that are nearing their end of life, B) partial replacement of basic installations, and C) upgrading measurement systems with new instruments.Instrument renewal allows to produce high-quality data without interruptions, pivotal for data users.

The renewal of the basic installations, e.g boardwalks, enable safe and effective working conditions for staff and visitors.

The upgrading of the infrastructure with new instruments allows us to meet the upcoming requirements, to fulfill the role of ICOS Sweden as crucial component of European ICOS RI also in future.