Localisation
Lat : 43.1298°N, Lon : 0.3692°E, Alt : 600m above sea level
Sampling height: 5, 30, 60 m above ground level
Description
The CRA (Centre de Recherches Atmosphériques de Lannemezan) is located near the town of Lannemezan (Hautes Pyrénées), on the plateau of the same name, at an altitude of 600 m. Extending over 70 ha, the site is surrounded by meadows, crops and forests. Its location gives the site its unique character, with its very flat and open environment which favors atmospheric measurements in situ and by remote sensing, while allowing observation of meteorological phenomena linked to the mountain which have a very strong influence on the local climate, and the interactions between the surface (vegetation, biosphere, land use) and the atmosphere.
The CRA is associated with the environmental platform of the Pic du Midi to constitute the Pyrenean Atmosphere Observation Platform P2OA, labeled by the INSU-CNRS for their role as a climate observatory and as a host for experiments. This coupling allows the study of the exchanges and transport of chemical compounds, dust, etc. between the plain and the mountain, between the lower layers and the higher layers of the atmosphere.
Since 2010, the CRA regularly hosts campaigns led by research groups. The site is very favorable for hosting experiments thanks to its continuous measurement instruments, taken as references for the testing of new sensors, to its particularly adapted infrastructure, to its extensive space and to its staff.
The CRA plays a key role as a support site for pre-campaigns of drones or balloons for Toulouse laboratories such as LAERO, the National Center for Meteorological Research (CNRM), the National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC).
Measured species
In situ and continuous: CO2, CH4, CO
Meteorological parameters: Temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction.
Contact
M. Lopez, M. Ramonet, S. Derrien, F.Gheusi
Organisation
Site Web
Centre de Recherches Atmosphériques de Lannemezan (CRA)
Relevant publications