We are excited to announce that CARO has successfully completed one year as a member of the Global Atmosphere Watch Programme (GAW) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)!
The Global Atmosphere Watch Programme (GAW), led by the WMO, is a global network dedicated to providing critical data for understanding and assessing atmospheric composition, including air quality, greenhouse gases, and pollution levels.
Located in Limassol, Cyprus, the Cyprus Atmospheric Remote Sensing Observatory (CARO), part of the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence (Eratosthenes CoE), is strategically positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean. This location serves as a major crossroads for various air masses, making CARO a key hub for mixing particles from both local and remote aerosol sources. The area’s unique atmospheric conditions make it an ideal site for studying the vertical structure of the atmosphere. Consequently, CARO plays a vital role in calibration and verification (Cal/Val) activities for Earth observation satellite missions.
Operating 24/7, CARO continuously captures atmospheric changes, providing invaluable real-time and near-real-time data. The observatory contributes to aerosol remote sensing through advanced equipment, including the PollyXT Polarization Raman Lidar and the Cimel sun/sky photometer, which is part of the AERONET network.
As a member of the GAW Programme, CARO plays a crucial role in global efforts to mitigate climate change by delivering precise data and enhancing the accuracy of satellite and ground-based observations. Through close collaboration with other countries, CARO supports the continuous advancement of atmospheric research and innovation.
CARO will remain at the forefront of atmospheric studies, providing cutting-edge remote sensing measurements and contributing to the ongoing calibration and validation activities across Europe.
