The EC Atmospheric Observatory (EC AtmO) studies interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere and climate change. This is done by continuous measurement of:

• reactive gas concentrations and aerosol characteristics to track changes in short-lived atmospheric species;
• greenhouse gas concentrations to track changes in long-lived atmospheric species;
• fluxes at forest canopy level to track the response of vegetation to climate change and air pollution.

The air pollution measurements contribute to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (UNECE-EMEP). The JRC measurement data allow us to benchmark the impacts of emission reduction policies and show important trends or changes in atmospheric composition.

The EC Atmospheric Observatory (EC AtmO) measures concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃) and secondary aerosol precursors (SO₂, NO_x) as well as particulate matter (PM). Daily aerosol samples are collected on quartz fibre filters to determine PM2.5 concentrations and chemical composition. Rainwater samples are also collected to assess acidifying and eutrophying species-wet deposition. The aerosol characterization programme adresses variables needed to understand the impact of particles on climate and health. As such, the aerosol size distribution (in the range 8 nm - 10 µm), and aerosol absorption and scattering coefficients are continuously monitored. The vertical profiling of aerosols is carried out using a LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging laser beam). Additional measurements are carried out during specific periods to develop EMEP-recommended methodologies or European standards.

Greenhouse gas concentrations and ²²²Rn activity are being measured in Ispra. The station is an important contribution to the European monitoring network, which is still relatively sparse in southern Europe. In particular, it provides valuable information on GHG emissions from the Po Valley area. In addition to the use of these measurements for the inverse modelling of GHG emissions, parallel Radon (²²²Rn) measurements have been added to allow model-independent estimates of regional GHG emissions. The Ispra Observatory contributes to the Integrated Carbon Observation System Research Infrastructure (ICOS-RI) of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). ICOS-RI is a distributed project dedicated to the high precision monitoring of GHG concentrations and fluxes over a long timeframe across Europe.