Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) Flanders (ICOS)

Greenhouse gas concentrations are rising, heating up our planet and pushing decision-makers to take action and stop this trend. In order to take well-considered action, there is a need for reliable and consistent climate data. This is where ICOS – the Integrated Carbon Observations System – steps in. ICOS brings together European high-quality national research and measurement stations and, through coordination and support, constitute a European-wide research infrastructure. Today the ICOS network consists of more than 140 measuring stations located over 14 countries in Europe. Each of the stations operates within one specific domain: atmosphere, ocean or ecosystem. ICOS encourages excellent science by providing easy-accessible and high-quality data. Furthermore, communication of striking science-based observations to society and politics helps increase awareness and create support to take climate action. Belgium hosts eleven ICOS measuring sites, operated by seven different research institutes and universities. Each station collects data in a unique ecosystem, together covering all three different domains: atmosphere, ocean and ecosystem. Nine of Belgian stations are located in Flanders, from the heathland in Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen to the Thornton Buoy in the North Sea.

Type: Equipment

Location type: Distributed

Accessibility: Researchers knowledge institutions

User modalities: Each of the ICOS-Belgium stations is located in the center of a unique terrestrial or oceanic ecosystem. All sites are extensively equipped, enabling long-term and high-end monitoring of the surrounding ecosystem. This in order to monitor a wide range of variables including meteorology, atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, and carbon exchange between the atmosphere and the ecosystem. As a result of the existing facilities and continuous data collection, ICOS stations are scientific hotspots for a wide range of research fields. We welcome new research ideas that can be set up in the area surrounding the ICOS-tower in case the ICOS measurements itself are not hampered by the additional measurements. This way ICOS data can contribute to new research trajectories increasing the relevance of the ICOS sites. Are you interested? Please contact us via our website www.icos-belgium.be

Disciplines: Systems biology, Environmental sciences, Environmental monitoring

Technology domains: Measurement, Environmental technology

Keywords: FLUXES, CARBON EXCHANGE, ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, CLIMATE CHANGE