IAP RAS GEOPOLISAT

A.M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences Geophysical Site for Atmospheric Research and its Interaction with the Earth's Surface (GEOPOLISAT) integrates the measuring sites of the A.M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, established on the basis of the Institute's existing research stations with the aim of observing and analyzing atmospheric composition and dynamics. The sites are located in regions with diverse physical and geographical characteristics and possess sufficiently long-term observation series. In particular, studies of gaseous impurity content variations have been conducted at the Zvenigorod Scientific Station (ZSS) since 1970 and are the longest continuous measurements of their kind in the world. A station for monitoring tropospheric aerosol, part of the global AERONET network, has been established at ZSS. Continuous sounding of the upper atmosphere is carried out, and the characteristics of wave propagation in the atmosphere and its turbulent structure are investigated.

The unique location of the Kislovodsk High-Mountain Scientific Station (KHMSS) allows for the study of the background state of the atmosphere. A series of total ozone column measurements was initiated in 1978, enabling the station to join the international network of ozonometric measurements. The measurement complex in Kislovodsk collects information on the aerosol and gas composition of the atmosphere in the resort region of the Caucasian Mineral Waters.

The Tsimlyansk Scientific Station (TSS) was established in 1955 as a specialized site for the study of atmospheric turbulence. The combination of climatic conditions and the nature of the underlying surface creates the conditions necessary for reference measurements of the turbulent structure of the atmosphere and the propagation of waves of various scales. In recent years, using unique instrumentation developed at the Institute, the station has conducted unparalleled experiments to study the properties of turbulent helicity—a characteristic of turbulence whose account is crucial for modeling and forecasting critical atmospheric phenomena; these were the first such experiments in the world.

The site on the roof of the IAP RAS building in central Moscow allows for the study of the climate and structure of a megacity's atmosphere. The deployment of identical measuring systems at IAP RAS and the Zvenigorod Scientific Station enables the assessment of the degree of the city's influence on the composition and structure of the atmosphere.

At three sites (ZSS, TSS, and Moscow center), acoustic locators—sodars—developed at IAP RAS are operational, measuring the vertical structure of the atmosphere . Moreover, in Moscow and Zvenigorod, measurements have been conducted continuously for over 10 years.

The diversity of climate zones and landscapes makes the Geophysical Site a convenient platform for conducting sub-satellite experiments and validating satellite data. The measuring equipment can also be used for short-term measurement campaigns to observe concentrations of minor gaseous and aerosol impurities, as well as the structure and dynamics of the atmosphere under various landscape and seasonal conditions, including on mobile observation platforms (automobile, river/sea vessel, etc.).

All IAP RAS measuring sites possess the logistical capabilities to conduct comprehensive seasonal expeditionary research with the participation of interested scientific organizations. An extensive infrastructure supports experimental observations.