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Mobile Laboratory

ICOS ATC Mobile Laboratory is one of the units of the ICOS RI Atmospheric Thematic Centre. The main task is to conduct quality control (QC) by parallel measurements at atmospheric stations (AS). Aim is to improve measurement compatibility and development of competent quality assurance (QA) of the ICOS atmospheric station network that ensures credibility of the measurements. Mobile Lab is hosted by the Finnish Meteorological Institute in Helsinki.

Mobile Lab has a van, which is equipped with state-of the-art analysers and standard gases, which are traceable to World Meteorological Organization Central Calibration Laboratoryand ICOS Central Analytical Laboratory. Atmospheric Station visit lasts 1-2 months. During the visit standard gases of the station are cross-checked and parallel monitoring of ambient air are conducted to validate quality of the greenhouse gas monitoring of the station.

The station gets into contact with the Mobile Lab to request an audit (there is usually a call for interest at each MSA) or the Mobile Lab contacts a station to enquire of their interest.

Audit steps:

  1. A questionnaire (AD4) is sent to the station PI to be filled and sent back before the audit.
  2. Ahead of the audit, the Mobile Lab shares this protocol to let the PIs know of the detailed plan of operations.
  3. A few weeks before the audit, a full and a shelter intake line tests are performed.
  4. During the first week, the Mobile Lab installs its instruments and perform the first tests. They discuss with the PIs about the questionnaire answers and the intake line test results.
  5. For about 4 weeks, the instruments run by themselves. During that time, the Mobile Lab provides at least one update and more if an issue is found.
  6. During the last week, the Mobile Lab performs a second set of tests, discuss with the PIs of the preliminary results and pack its instruments.
  7. A preliminary report then a final report are sent to the PIs within 3 months.

List of the stations visited by the MobileLab: