This document discusses requirements for in-situ observations to support the Copernicus CO2 monitoring service, which aims to detect emitting hot spots, monitor hot spot emissions, assess emission reductions, and assess national emission changes. It emphasizes the need for in-situ data to calibrate and validate space observations, assimilate data into models, validate models, and evaluate outputs. While existing networks focus on background air and urban areas, denser coverage is needed to meet the service's goals. Addressing gaps requires assessing current networks, determining precise requirements, and fostering partnerships between agencies to enhance networks, governance, funding, and data sharing.

1. Copernicus EU
Copernicus EU www.copernicus.eu
Copernicus EU
R e q u i r e m e n t s f o r i n - s i t u
o b s e r v a t i o n s t o s u p p o r t
t h e C o p e r n i c u s C O 2
m o n i t o r i n g s e r v i c e
f o c u s i n g o n a n t h r o p o g e n i c
C O 2 e m i s s i o n s
Erik Andersson
DG-DEFIS, Earth Observation Unit
and colleagues in the CO2 Task Force
ICOS Science Conferene
VideoConf, 15-17 September 2020

2. Copernicus
In situ Observations
2
“Why do we worry about in situ observations – because key
user requirements cannot be met unless Copernicus has access
to essential in situ data.”
Henrik Steen Andersen (EEA)

3. Copernicus
Our goal is
1. Detection of emitting hot spots such as
megacities or power plants.
2. Monitoring the hot spot emissions to assess
emission reductions/increase of the activities.
3. Assessing emission changes against local
reduction targets to monitor impacts of the
NDCs.
4. Assessing the national emissions and changes
in 5-year time steps to estimate the global
stock take.
Accuracy
Space&Time
200-400
ton/year
km &
daily scales
CHE & VERIFY GENERAL ASSEMBLY 3

4. Copernicus
How we’re doing it
 Emphasis on systems: inventories, space-borne and in-
situ observations, data assimilation framework,
inversion system, transport models, decision support
system
 Emphasis on operational intent
 Fundamentally underpinned by strong user
requirements based on international commitments
and corresponding EU Policy
 Strong international dimension on multiple aspects of
system implementation, development and data sharing
CHE & VERIFY GENERAL ASSEMBLY 4

5. Copernicus
Observation requirements - in situ
For the Copernicus CO2 Monitoring and Verification Support
(MVS) capacity, in situ observations are required to:
1. Calibrate and validate the space component of the MVS
capacity (cal/val),
2. Assimilate data in the models and to integrate information
in the core MVS capacity,
3. Validate and further improve physical models that govern
the evolution of CO2 in computer simulations, and
4. Evaluate the output generated by the MVS capacity for its
end users.

6. Copernicus
Main messages
 Highlight the needs for in situ observations at each stage and process of the
CO2 initiative , i.e., going much beyond the usual cal/val activities.
 Highlight the need for a viable and sustained governance scheme & funding in
the context of an operational system, e.g., research networks
Highlight the necessity to re-inforce/consolidate existing networks and design
new networks, e.g., 14C.
Identify potential partner organizations and in situ stake holders
Discuss the risks associated with the current situation
Propose recommendations for actions
6

7. Copernicus
In situ observations for the MVS - Challenges
 Sparseness of existing networks
• Focus of fossil-fuel CO2 (ffCO2)
• Focus on urban areas
• Focus on hot spots
 Ambitious MVS goals – to determine
the emissions for countries, cities and
hot-spots
 Funding, sustainability & governance
 Insufficient in situ network is identified
as a risk for the MVS

8. Copernicus
In situ observations for the MVS capacity
8
− CO2 of the background air
− CO2 of the plume
− C14 ratio
− Co-emitted species
+ GHG fluxes from the ground
+ GHG concentrations in air
samples (from towers)
+ Atmospheric soundings from the
ground
+ Air samples from aircraft
+ Ground-based remote sensing
* MVS exploits Data Assimilation to integrate the information

9. Copernicus
Approach: in situ observation
1. Assess current in situ networks.
a. Identify who the main actors are and their plans.
b. Determine the projected in situ capability.
2. Quantitatively determine the in situ observation
requirements - relating observation network
scenarios with MVS performance projections.
Carry out simulations!
3. Conduct a gap analysis (scenario minus
projected capability).
4. Address the gaps (next slide…).
For:
1. satellite
cal/val needs
2. MVS service
operations

10. Copernicus
Approach: addressing the gaps
Foster partnerships with:
i. EEA, (EIONET, EUMETNET)
ii. WMO, (GAW, IG3IS)
iii. ICOS, (TCCON, COCCON)
iv. EC agencies, (RTD-ERIC)
v. Space agencies for cal/val
(EUMETSAT, ESA, CEOS)
• Carry out network design studies (CHE, COCO2)
• Promote investment in infrastructure at national
level, (Copernicus Committee, ICOS).
• Legislation?
• Enhance governance – adopt best practises
• Make operational (observation standards, data formats, data
collection, quality control, data exchange mechanism, timely
delivery)

11. Copernicus
Funding for in situ observations in Copernicus
• Copernicus relies predominately on existing in situ data capacities;
• Member State organizations and many other in situ
infrastructures and data are essential contributions to Copernicus
• The Copernicus in situ component (run by EEA) provides access to
in situ data, serving primarily the Copernicus services
• The Copernicus space component includes provision of in situ
data for cal/val of dedicated mission observations;

12. Copernicus
In situ - Opportunities
• ICOS runs an effective station network, as a ERIC
(European Research Infrastructure Consortium) with
DG-RTD
• Integration of TCCON in ICOS proposed
• WMO observation networks
• Urban networks (C40, EEA/EIONET)
• Green Deal Call (DG-RTD)

13. Copernicus
Next actions – CO2 in situ
 The CO2M MAG, ESA and EUMETSAT will develop a cal/val strategy document.
The availability of in-situ data is a key consideration.
 C3S/CAMS to establish (and further expand) data acquisition interfaces with
relevant data providers.
 The EEA are looking at network governance with EIONET members task team.
 Carry out a review of observation capabilities (existing networks) – document
their governance, and standards used. Assess gaps w.r.to requirements. The
COINS project (EEA) KO meeting held 2 September 2020.
 Work closely with WMO on in situ observations for CO2 monitoring as an
operational activity.
 The COCO2 project to carry out simulations to determine quantitatively the in
situ observation requirements, and assess MVS performance for observation
network scenarios with ICOS.

14. Copernicus
ICOS – what’s in it for you?
 Copernicus will become a significant user
of ICOS observations
 Increased visibility for ICOS
 We are confident that it will bring
funding opportunities – we have to work
on it!

15. Copernicus
An Operational Anthropogenic CO2 Emissions
Monitoring & Verification Support Capacity
15

16. Extra Slides

17. Copernicus
Roadmap for an operational CO2 Monitoring & Verification Support Capacity
20282018 2020 2022
CO2 Monitoring Task Force
1st global
stocktake
2024 2026
2nd global
stocktake
Copernicus service
in its full
operational
capacity with the
CO2 Sentinels
constellation
MRD
2015
Prototyping
activities including
relevant CO2
satellites from
China, Japan, USA
and others
23 COPERNICUS COMMITTEE MEETING 17R&D Support Actions (COM, ESA & EUM)
PA
Inventories
year 2021
Inventories
year 2026

18. Copernicus
Actions for in situ Observations
Enhanced in situ observations of CO2:
1. Investment in observation infrastructure
2. Governance of observing networks (R→O)
3. Fossil-fuel focus (co-emitted species, cities, hot spots, …)
4. Measurement methodology standards
5. Calibration standards
6. Data representation and format standards
7. Data quality control, Q-monitoring, Q-assurance
8. Meta-data management, cataloguing
9. Making data available (portals, the WIS)
10. International data exchange
11. Data policy
12. Observation impact assessment
13. Observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs)
18