Ny Alesund

The instrument is situated at the AWPEV research station in Ny Ålesund on the Svalbard archipelago. Its primary function is the observation of the atmosphere within the Arctic region. Of particular concern are the phenomena of ozone depletion during the spring months and the species associated with ozone destruction. The Arctic region is distinguished by its unique characteristics, rendering it particularly susceptible to climate change.

The Arctic dome, a distinct cold airmass, is a prominent feature that envelops the Arctic, effectively isolating it from lower latitudes.

The polar vortex is another notable feature, characterized by its circulation patterns and impact on the region. This polar vortex, akin to a chimney, functions as a barrier separating the Arctic stratosphere from the midlatitudes. The air within the polar vortex undergoes radiative cooling, descends, and draws in radicals from the mesosphere and the thermosphere in the stratosphere. The Arctic is enveloped by the jet stream, a region characterized by high-speed winds.

The FTIR section of the NF Ny Ålesund is equipped with a 120-5HR spectrometer that functions in semiautomatic mode, in conjunction with ancillary observations conducted within the observatory. The instrument itself is undergoing ACTRIS certification.

The FTIR instrument at the AWIPEV station in Ny Ålesund has been operational since 1992.

The FTIR station in Ny Ålesund is recognized by both the NDACC and the TCCON. The NDACC repository houses the available historic data.

The BIRA Brussels central processing facility performs the analysis.