Romanian Atmospheric Observatory (RADO)
http://rado.inoe.ro
Core Data
Identification
Hosting Legal Entity
National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics
Address:
409 Atomistilor Str, Magurele, PO: 77125, Ilfov (Romania)
Location
409, Atomistilor Str., Magurele, PO: 77125, Ilfov (Romania)
Structure
Type Of RI
Single-sited
Coordinating Country
Romania
Status
Status
Current Status:
Operational since 2008
Scientific Description
Mission and objectives
The Romanian Atmospheric 3D research Observatory (RADO) is a distributed atmospheric research infrastructure based on the voluntary association of several research institutes and universities in Romania. Its main function is to perform experimental and theoretical research for atmospheric composition and air quality assessment, including impact on climate and climate variability. Located 6km southwest of Bucharest, RADO provides a unique opportunity to conduct long-term inter-calibrations (ground-based, satellite) and complementary or simultaneous observation (airborne) of different atmospheric parameters over various space-time scales. The site is ideal to study complex mixtures of continental polluted, biomass burning and mineral dust aerosols. Data on atmospheric composition and structure are collected by use of active remote sensing techniques (aerosol, ozone and water vapor lidars, sodar), passive remote sensors (sun photometers, microwave radiometer), in situ monitors and satellite data. Quality assured products (e.g. aerosol type and microphysical parameters, chemical composition, source apportionment, particle age, etc.) are obtained based on algorithms and data combination developed inhouse. We perform experimental and theoretical research for atmospheric composition and air quality assessment, including impact on climate and its variability. RADO is a GAW regional station and the only facility of this kind in Europe.

RI Keywords
Atmospheric structure, Ground-based remote sensing, Atmospheric composition
Classifications
RI Category
Atmospheric Measurement Facilities
Scientific Domain
Earth and Environmental Sciences
ESFRI Domain
Environment
Services
Training for atmospheric remote sensing

Intensive training at host or during field campaigns for young researchers.

Access to laboratories and data

Use of laboratories and dedicated programs to collect and analyse atmospheric data.

Equipment
In situ laboratory

Includes an aerosol mass spectrometer, optical and gravimetric particle counters, a particle size spectrometer, a three color integrating nephelometer, 33-gaseous compounds differential optical absorption spectroscopy system and point monitors for O3, SO2, NOx and HC providing real-time size resolved composition analysis of particulate matter, aerosols scattering coefficients and ambient gases concentrations.

Passive remote sensing laboratory

Includes experimental IR & UV cameras for SO2 concentration, an 8-channels sunphotometer, microwave radiometer and real time satellite images through EUMETCAST.

Active remote sensing laboratory

Includes five lidar systems (multi-wavelength Raman, eye-safe scanning mobile UV mini-lidar, ozone, fluorescence) and a sodar providing profiles of aerosol, ozone and organic matter optical parameters and wind speed and direction. Advance data processing tools are available for research or training purposes.

Additional Data
Collaborations
Networks
AErosol Robotic NETwork (AERONET)
International Network of Ground-Based Microwave Radiometers (MWRnet)
European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET)
ACTRIS