Atmosfæreobservasjoner

Atmosfæreobservasjoner is the Norwegian term for atmospheric observations, encompassing the systematic collection of data on the physical, chemical, and dynamical state of the Earth's atmosphere. The primary goal of these observations is to provide a reliable, continuous record that supports weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and atmospheric science research. The observations include measurements of temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, radiation, and trace gases.

The practice of atmospheric observations in Norway dates back to the late 19th century, when the first weather stations were established at the Royal Norwegian Military Academy. Over the 20th century, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute expanded the network and introduced radiosonde launches, allowing vertical profiling of the atmosphere. Since the 1990s, satellite remote sensing—especially from the European Space Agency’s MetOp series and the NASA Terra and Aqua missions—has complemented ground‑based and airborne data, providing global coverage of atmospheric parameters.

Key observation platforms include radiosondes, ceilometers, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems, ground‑based weather stations, and satellite instruments such as the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit and MODIS. Data are archived in real‑time at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute’s national archive and contributed to international networks like the Global Observing System and the World Meteorological Organization’s WMO Atlas.

Atmosfæreobservasjoner play a crucial role in operational weather services, allowing forecasters to initialize numerical weather prediction models with accurate atmospheric profiles. They also underpin climate research, enabling scientists to assess trends in atmospheric composition, monitor greenhouse gas concentrations, and evaluate the impact of air pollutants. The observations inform policy decisions regarding air quality, climate change mitigation, and environmental management, making them an essential component of both national and international atmospheric science infrastructure.