Greenhouse gases (GHG) profiling over Cyprus with Aircore

AirCore is a unique system for sampling air and rendering vertical profiles of greenhouse gases (GHGs) concentrations from the surface up to the stratosphere. Carried out by a weather balloon filled with helium, it can reach altitudes up to 35 km. On the ascending phase the tube empties out (via expansion along with decreasing atmospheric pressure) and samples the ambient air on the descending phase (via compression). Once at ground level the sample is analysed to measure CO2 CH4 and CO concentrations using a Cavity Ring Down Spectrometer (CRDS).

In collaboration with LSCE and the French Aircore (AC) program, AC activities have been initiated in June 2020 in Cyprus within the framework of the EMME-CARE (Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East – Climate and Atmosphere Research). The EMME region has been identified as a global climate change "hot spot". Climate and atmosphere research is now taking place with the establishment of a regional Centre of Excellence.

This project has received funding rom the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 856612 and the Cyprus Government.