C2SM goes SDSC

Directed by Dr. Dominik Brunner, Head of Atmospheric Modelling at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology Empa, CarboSense4D will combine data science methods, atmospheric observations, and atmospheric transport modelling to determine the evolution of carbon dioxide (CO₂) over Switzerland at high spatial and temporal resolution. Three hundred low-cost CO₂ sensors distributed over Switzerland within in the framework of the ongoing external page CarboSense project will be used offering an unprecedented density of continuous CO₂ observations. Accurate knowledge of the 4-D distribution of CO₂ is of great interest to study anthropogenic CO₂ emissions and exchange fluxes with the biosphere, for the validation of satellite CO₂ observations and to provide lateral boundary conditions for models tracking city-scale CO₂ emissions. CarboSense4D will also provide feedback to the sensor network itself through detecting and correcting changes in the behaviour of individual sensors. Furthermore, it will act as a proof of concept for the applicability of low-cost CO₂ sensors in a machine learning framework and likely trigger similar sensor networks in other countries and regions. Overall, CarboSense4D will help improving our understanding of the regional carbon cycle and contribute to the independent validation of national greenhouse gas reduction pledges in the light of the international Paris climate accord.

The project will be realized in collaboration with SDSC who will provide a 100% staff for 24 months and C2SM who will devote 4 months on visualizing the scientific results of the project.