NIES–BIRA–IISERB Atmospheric Observatory
Joint Operation of Ground-Based Atmospheric Column Measurements in India

A collaborative atmospheric greenhouse gas monitoring program has been established at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) as part of COCCON, within the NIES–BIRA–IISERB Atmospheric Observatory, in partnership with NIES (Japan) and BIRA-IASB (Belgium). The program employs the EM27/SUN instrument for high-precision column-averaged atmospheric observations, supporting satellite validation and climate research.

NIES–BIRA–IISERB Atmospheric Observatory laboratory setup

(1) Observatory setup (NIES–BIRA–IISERB Atmospheric Observatory).

EM27/SUN instrument used for COCCON greenhouse gas observations

(2) SUN Tracker.

IISER-B Real-Time Meteorology

Solar Radiation

Solar radiation over the latest twelve hours

Atmospheric Conditions

Air temperature and relative humidity over the latest twelve hours
Current wind direction Wind rose for the last hour
COCCON Atmospheric Column Measurements

The Collaborative Carbon Column Observing Network (COCCON) is an international ground-based observational network dedicated to high-precision measurements of atmospheric column abundances. It is designed to complement established reference networks and satellite missions by providing flexible and mobile measurement capabilities for atmospheric composition studies.

COCCON employs portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, primarily the EM27/SUN instrument, to retrieve column-averaged dry-air mole fractions from direct solar absorption spectra. These observations are essential for satellite validation, emission quantification, and investigation of regional atmospheric variability.

All COCCON measurements follow standardized calibration procedures, centralized quality assurance protocols, and traceability to established reference scales, ensuring high inter-comparability between globally distributed sites.

Within this framework, the COCCON measurement system has been established at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal), operating as part of the NIES–BIRA–IISERB Atmospheric Observatory in collaboration with NIES (Japan) and BIRA-IASB (Belgium). Our laboratory plays an active role in instrument operation, calibration, and data processing, supporting long-term atmospheric monitoring and climate research activities.

Joint Operation of Ground-Based Atmospheric Column Measurements over India


National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan
IISER Bhopal, India
Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB), Belgium

For collaboration enquiries, please contact the GMA team through the institute channels.