Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS)

The ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) research infrastructure studies long-term (> 20 years) changes in greenhouse gas balances of terrestrial and marine ecosystems through a network of 140 monitoring stations across Europe and some far beyond. In addition to greenhouse gases, ICOS measures a number of other variables that are useful for relating changes (trends and anomalies) in greenhouse gas balances to climate change (including climate extremes) such as pollution, changing land use or policies. ICOS data are also of great value for validating satellite and satellite imagery and climate models. All ICOS measurements are fully standardized and undergo strict quality control. The data are freely available to all via the Carbon Portal. The ICOS monitoring stations are exceptionally equipped and open to other researchers and companies to test new devices or set up side experiments. The Flemish contribution to ICOS includes six (two marine and four terrestrial) monitoring stations, an associated station in DR Congo, co-leadership of one of ICOS' steering bodies (Ecosystem Thematic Center) and coordination of the Belgian ICOS network.