KIT Alpine Campus Develops New Dome For The Atmospheric Observatory
Observing trace gases, aerosols and clouds is an essential basis for understanding climate change and developing adaptation strategies. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) use an observatory on the Zugspitze, among other things. This has now (July 24/25, 2023) received a new dome with which, for example, two remote sensing methods can be used simultaneously. The observatory forms a unit with the measuring stations at the Schneefernerhaus and in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which are also operated by the KIT. As part of the European research infrastructure ACTRIS, they are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
The Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research – Atmospheric Environmental Research (IMK-IFU), the Alpine Campus of KIT, operates the three observatories on the Zugspitze (2964 meters above sea level, m above sea level), in the Schneefernerhaus (2650 m above sea level .) and in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (734 m above sea level) “This means that we have one of the best-equipped atmospheric observation sites in the world,” says atmospheric physicist Dr. Ralf Sussmann, who heads the IMK-IFU’s “Atmospheric Variability and Trends” working group on site and is responsible for the observatories with his team. The scientists use various optical methods to measure the concentration of trace gases, the composition of clouds and aerosols up to a height of 70 kilometers.
Trace gases: Harmful to health and driving the climate?
A particular focus is on research into trace gases in the atmosphere. The researchers use solar infrared absorption spectrometry to analyze the broadband spectrum of sunlight. The concentrations of around 30 different trace gases become visible, including carbon dioxide and methane, but also nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, ethane and ozone. “We have observed a sharp increase in methane since 2007,” says Sussmann, “this is an alarming result, since methane is extremely climate-driven. Some trace gases such as nitrogen dioxide are also harmful to health, irritating the eyes, respiratory tract and lungs. Recently, more and more ammonia has been released into the atmosphere. This has not yet been researched, so we are expecting exciting and important results.”
Global network provides data for climate research
The three observatories of the KIT Campus Alpin in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are part of the European research infrastructure ACTRIS (stands for: Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure). The network wants to collect and compare qualitatively equivalent measurement data at around one hundred locations worldwide. As part of this, new sun photometers will be set up on the Zugspitze and in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which will collect data on aerosols and clouds for at least 20 years. In addition, new measuring devices with lidar methods will be installed, which use lasers to measure the exact height of different particles. An infrared spectrometer in Garmisch contributes to ACTRIS with new data on reactive trace gases.
The refurbishment of the highest research laboratory in Germany required a complete renovation of the interior and the entire roof area on which the dome was installed. This work, which was challenging at this height, was carried out in close cooperation with the Planning and Building department of the KIT and with the support of the Bayerische Zugspitzbahn (BZB). A first highlight of the refurbishment was the replacement of the observatory dome on the Zugspitze. On July 24 and 25, 2023, the old fission dome from 1994 was replaced by a new one that opens to waist height and allows two remote sensing methods to be used simultaneously without having to adjust the dome.