Virtual Alpine Observatory
The Virtual Alpine Observatory (VAO) is a network of European high-altitude research stations in the Alps and alpine-like mountains in eight countries (Germany, France, Georgia, Italy, Norway, Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia) that have come together to investigate scientific questions in the atmosphere system , Biosphere , hydrosphere - and cryosphere and health jointly and across borders. The network was officially founded on April 19, 2012 in the environmental research station Schneefernerhaus on the Zugspitze and has grown steadily since then.
The VAO's thematic research focuses are: (i) Atmospheric and climatic variability, (ii) Climatic effects on the Alpine environment, hazards and risks (iii) Alpine water balance and (iv) Environment and human health. In another area, the further development of infrastructure and the development of new technologies for climate and environmental research are being promoted.
Participating high-altitude research stations and observatories
- Environmental research station Schneefernerhaus, Germany
- Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Grenoble, France
- Kharadze Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory, Georgia
- Eurac research, Italy
- Andøya Space Center, Norway
- Sonnblick Observatory, Austria
- High Altitude Research Stations Jungfraujoch and Gornergrat International Foundation, Switzerland
- Center for Atmospheric Research, Slovenia
motivation
The Alpine region is one of those regions of the world that are particularly affected by climate change . The temperature here has risen by around +2.0 ° C since 1900, while the European average of +1.2 ° C is only around half as strong. The global mean warming is around +0.8 ° C. It is to be expected that the comparatively strong warming that we are currently experiencing in the Alpine region will not remain without consequences for the various areas of the Alpine environmental system: The atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere form a complex system of interconnected processes. Changes in one area also affect all other spheres. The question of how this coupling works is a central subject of current research. A comprehensive understanding of the complex alpine environmental system requires research that has to be designed in an interdisciplinary manner in particular: One of the goals of the VAO is therefore to bring together scientists, engineers and technicians from almost all of the above-mentioned areas of environmental research. This enables the investigation of environmentally relevant topics from different perspectives, creates synergies and allows the formulation of more comprehensive solutions than would otherwise be possible.
Challenges
The special sensitivity of the Alpine region to changes in the climate is both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge consists initially in the task of a sustainable, metrological recording of geophysical key variables of the alpine environmental system, as they are necessary to answer current, scientific questions.
Measurements in these areas often have to be carried out at different locations in the Alpine region, according to comparable standards, with sufficient precision and, if necessary, also synchronized, because reliable and quality-assured observations form the basis of a solid scientific understanding.
The second stage of the challenge lies in the scientific interpretation of the measurement data obtained. Their comparison with our previous understanding of the alpine environmental system reveals contradictions and inadequacies and thus enables knowledge to be gained. A modern information technology infrastructure, the so-called Alpine and Environmental Data Analysis Center (AlpEnDAC) , ensures that the measurement data obtained at the various locations can be easily and conveniently accessed and exchanged within the VAO in accordance with internationally established standards, regardless of the location the respective scientists or engineers are ("data-on-demand"). In addition, it enables access to data that is available elsewhere (e.g. satellite-based measurements).
In addition, the VAO should also develop and operate services that are “outward” and contribute to major societal challenges (“societal benefit areas”). Here is the third challenge.
Political and social embedding
The VAO is part of the Alpine Convention , in which the contracting parties have undertaken to promote and harmonize research and systematic observations in close cooperation, which are necessary for better knowledge of the interrelationships between space, economy and the environment in the Alps and for the assessment of future developments are useful.
The VAO is also one of the tools to implement the EU's Alpine strategy. The strategy aims to address the political themes of economic growth, innovation; Cover mobility and environment as well as energy. The main objective of this strategy is to ensure that this region remains one of the most attractive areas in Europe, makes better use of its advantages and initiates sustainable, innovative development in a European context. One of the tasks arising from this is dealing with climate change and its consequences. For this, the VAO provides part of the scientific foundation.
In addition, with Georgia as an associated member, the VAO also supports the goals of the Eastern Partnership, a sub-project of the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP): As part of a declaration by the EU Environment Ministers and the Eastern Partnership (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine ) on the environment and climate change of October 18, 2016, the common goal was formulated to intensify cooperation in the field of environmental and climate policy. The VAO, which is also open to other Eastern partners, also contributes to this.
research
Atmospheric and climatic variability
The atmosphere is a complex system. It is characterized by a large number of chemical, dynamic and radiation-related processes. Our knowledge of these processes is still incomplete. Forecasts on climate development are therefore still relatively uncertain. Better measurement and new analysis techniques should help to close this gap.
Climatic Effects on the Alpine Environment: Hazards and Risks
The effects of climate change in the high alpine region on the bio- and geosphere are to be recorded. In addition, the influence of solar eruptions on cosmic radiation in the alpine region is investigated.
Alpine water balance
The aim of this main topic is to develop improved knowledge of the alpine water balance in order to subsequently be able to provide estimates of future water availability. Another focus is the investigation of the environmental radioactivity deposited by snow and precipitation in the Alpine region.
Environment and human health
Persistent pollutants, particles or pollen as well as meteorological parameters such as temperature or humidity can have negative effects on the health of people in the Alpine region and lead, for example, to allergies, respiratory diseases or cardiovascular diseases. Long-term studies, analyzes, studies and recommendations for action are therefore of great importance.
Research infrastructure
Environmental sciences and especially research at high altitude require very specific technological solutions. The focus of development is on new sensor technologies or measurement platforms (e.g. UAVs, etc.), hardware and software infrastructures, powerful concepts for (meta) data storage, analysis and visualization, etc.
Individual evidence
- ^ The Virtual Alpine Observatory (VAO). Retrieved June 21, 2018 .
- ↑ Home - Schneefernerhaus. Accessed June 21, 2018 (German).
- ↑ l'OSUG, observatoire Terre Univers Environnement. Retrieved June 21, 2018 (French).
- ↑ OBSERVATORY ILIA STATE UNIVERSITY . In: ILIA STATE UNIVERSITY . ( edu.ge [accessed June 21, 2018]).
- ↑ EURAC research. Retrieved June 21, 2018 .
- ↑ Andoya Space Agency . In: ASC . April 13, 2016 ( andoyaspace.no [accessed June 21, 2018]).
- ↑ ZAMG - Sonnblick Observatory: ZAMG - Sonnblick Observatory. Retrieved June 21, 2018 .
- ↑ Jungfraujoch and Gornergrat: Science at the Top of Europe. Retrieved June 21, 2018 (UK English).
- ↑ Otlica observatory - University of Nova Gorica. Retrieved June 21, 2018 .
- ↑ Regional climate change and adaptation - The Alps facing the challenge of changing water resources . In: European Environment Agency . ( europa.eu [accessed June 21, 2018]).
- ↑ Home | AlpEnDAC.eu. Retrieved June 21, 2018 .
- ^ Alpine Convention - The Convention - Home. Retrieved June 21, 2018 .
- ↑ To improve risk management and to a better manage climate chance including major natural risk prevention; recommended project: "Set up a Virtual Alpine Observatory which brings together Alpine research centers and helps to improve prognosis and common efforts in the research on climate change adaptation, concerning areas like atmosphere, Alpine environment and water balance."
- ↑ “That environmental and climate challenges are transboundary interdependent by nature, and therefore require a holistic approach to address them. Given the geographic proximity of the EU and EaP countries and their shared environmental assets, strengthened transboundary cooperation and joint action on air, forests, land and soil, nature and biodiversity and water resources, including seas, are needed; " "The need for cooperation among and the active engagement of, governments, local administrations, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders to address environmental and climate challenges;"