Tall TOwer and surface Research Network for verification of Climate relevant emissions of Human origin in Europe (TTORCH)

Observations of the long lived non-CO₂ greenhouse gases and related tracers are an essential part of the Earth System Observation system. The combination of atmospheric observations and inverse atmospheric transport models will enable scientists to detect trends in concentrations and emissions, take up the challenge to validate the emission estimates of these gases of natural and antropogenic sources for large areas of Europe (independently checking the Kyoto protocol and beyond) and to test process based emissions models.

In TTorch they will strengthen the further integration of the network of observatories of these gases and related tracers in Europe to an observational system of high consistency, quality and precision, while taking care of coordinating carefully with the developements in the ICOS project. Extension to the more Eastern part of Europe is needed. TTorch will contribute by preparing and helping in building of the necessary infrastructure and will aid in the capacity building of (young) scientists in that part of Europe.

TTorch will provide the framework to continue the development and improvement of the network and prepare the extension to other parts of Europe. The TTorch  network will work as a basis for defining and building new projects, all in close contact with the ICOS infrastructure initiative.