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The Year of Polar Prediction in the Southern Hemisphere (YOPP-SH) held seven Targeted Observing Periods (TOPs) during the 2022 austral winter to enhance atmospheric predictability over the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. The TOPs of 5-10 days duration each featured the release of additional radiosonde balloons, more than doubling the routine sounding program at the 24 participating stations run by 14 nations, together with process-oriented observations at selected sites. These extra sounding data are evaluated for their impact on forecast skill via data denial experiments with the goal of refining the observing system to improve numerical weather prediction for winter conditions. Extensive observations focusing on clouds and precipitation primarily during atmospheric river (AR) events are being applied to refine model microphysical parameterizations for the ubiquitous mixed phase clouds that frequently impact coastal Antarctica. Process studies are being facilitated by high time resolution series of observations and forecast model output via the YOPP Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (YOPPsiteMIIP). Parallel investigations are broadening the scope and impact of the YOPP-SH winter TOPs. Studies of the Antarctic tourist industry’s use of weather services show the scope for much greater awareness of the availability of forecast products and the skill they exhibit. The SIPN South analysis of predictions of the sea ice growth period reveals that the forecast skill is superior to the sea ice retreat phase.

Black carbon (BC) is a short-lived climate forcer affecting the Arctic climate through multiple mechanisms, which vary substantially from winter to summer. Several models still fail in reproducing BC seasonal variability, limiting the ability to fully describe BC climate implications. This study aims at gaining insights into the mechanisms controlling BC transport from lower latitudes to the Arctic lower troposphere. Here we investigate the drivers controlling black carbon daily and seasonal variability in the Arctic using generalized additive models (GAMs). We analysed equivalent black carbon (eBC) concentrations measured at the Gruvebadet Atmospheric Laboratory (GAL – Svalbard archipelago) from March 2018 to December 2021. The eBC showed a marked seasonality with higher values in winter and early spring. The eBC concentration averaged 22 ± 20 ng m−3 in the cold season (November–April) and 11 ± 11 ng m−3 in the warm season (May–October). The seasonal and interannual variability was mainly modulated by the efficiency of wet scavenging removal during transport towards higher latitudes. Conversely, the short-term variability was controlled by boundary layer dynamics as well as local-scale and synoptic-scale circulation patterns. During both the cold and warm seasons, the transport of air masses from Europe and northern Russia was an effective pathway for the transport of pollution to the European Arctic. Finally, in the warm season we observed a link between the intrusion of warm air from lower latitudes and the increase in eBC concentration. Changes in the synoptic-scale circulation system and precipitation rate in the Northern Hemisphere, linked to climate change, are expected to modify the BC burden in the Arctic.

New particle formation in the Arctic atmosphere is an important source of aerosol particles. Understanding the processes of Arctic secondary aerosol formation is crucial due to their significant impact on cloud properties and therefore Arctic amplification. We observed the molecular formation of new particles from low-volatility vapors at two Arctic sites with differing surroundings. In Svalbard, sulfuric acid (SA) and methane sulfonic acid (MSA) contribute to the formation of secondary aerosol and to some extent to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). This occurs via ion-induced nucleation of SA and NH3 and subsequent growth by mainly SA and MSA condensation during springtime and highly oxygenated organic molecules during summertime. By contrast, in an ice-covered region around Villum, we observed new particle formation driven by iodic acid but its concentration was insufficient to grow nucleated particles to CCN sizes. Our results provide new insight about sources and precursors of Arctic secondary aerosol particles.

Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) is an international consortium for developing and maintaining a regional observing system in Svalbard and the associated waters. SIOS brings together the existing infrastructure and data from its members into a multidisciplinary network dedicated to answering Earth System Science (ESS) questions related to global change. The Observing System is built around “SIOS Core Data” – long-term data series collected by SIOS partners. SIOS Core Data (SCD) are data that fulfil the following defined criteria: to be relevant for answering key Earth System Science questions (scientific requirements), to be available according to the FAIR principles (data availability), to be secured by members for more than 5 years (member commitment). The first set of SIOS core data variables has been identified by The Science Optimisation Advisory Group (SOAG) in cooperation with the Research Infrastructure Coordination Committee (RICC) and scientific experts. Many (but not all) SIOS core data variables are selected or derived from the Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) defined by The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), and are described by WMO standards and the Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Keywords. SIOS core data variables are critical for characterising the climate system and its changes in the Arctic, and answering the ESS science questions outlined in the SIOS Infrastructure Optimization Report. SIOS activities related to SCD are in line with SAON's Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems process as well as the new EC ArcticPASSION project and the idea of a set of Arctic Shared Variables.

New particle formation in the Arctic atmosphere is an important source of aerosol particles. Understanding the processes of Arctic secondary aerosol formation is crucial due to their significant impact on cloud properties and therefore Arctic amplification. We observed the molecular formation of new particles from low-volatility vapors at two Arctic sites with differing surroundings. In Svalbard, sulfuric acid (SA) and methane sulfonic acid (MSA) contribute to the formation of secondary aerosol and to some extent to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). This occurs via ion-induced nucleation of SA and NH3 and subsequent growth by mainly SA and MSA condensation during springtime and highly oxygenated organic molecules during summertime. By contrast, in an ice-covered region around Villum, we observed new particle formation driven by iodic acid but its concentration was insufficient to grow nucleated particles to CCN sizes. Our results provide new insight about sources and precursors of Arctic secondary aerosol particles.

Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS) is an international consortium for developing and maintaining a regional observing system in Svalbard and the associated waters. SIOS brings together the existing infrastructure and data from its members into a multidisciplinary network dedicated to answering Earth System Science (ESS) questions related to global change. The Observing System is built around “SIOS Core Data” – long-term data series collected by SIOS partners. SIOS Core Data (SCD) are data that fulfil the following defined criteria: to be relevant for answering key Earth System Science questions (scientific requirements), to be available according to the FAIR principles (data availability), to be secured by members for more than 5 years (member commitment). The first set of SIOS core data variables has been identified by The Science Optimisation Advisory Group (SOAG) in cooperation with the Research Infrastructure Coordination Committee (RICC) and scientific experts. Many (but not all) SIOS core data variables are selected or derived from the Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) defined by The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), and are described by WMO standards and the Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Keywords. SIOS core data variables are critical for characterising the climate system and its changes in the Arctic, and answering the ESS science questions outlined in the SIOS Infrastructure Optimization Report. SIOS activities related to SCD are in line with SAON's Roadmap for Arctic Observing and Data Systems process as well as the new EC ArcticPASSION project and the idea of a set of Arctic Shared Variables.

New particle formation in the Arctic atmosphere is an important source of aerosol particles. Understanding the processes of Arctic secondary aerosol formation is crucial due to their significant impact on cloud properties and therefore Arctic amplification. We observed the molecular formation of new particles from low-volatility vapors at two Arctic sites with differing surroundings. In Svalbard, sulfuric acid (SA) and methane sulfonic acid (MSA) contribute to the formation of secondary aerosol and to some extent to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). This occurs via ion-induced nucleation of SA and NH3 and subsequent growth by mainly SA and MSA condensation during springtime and highly oxygenated organic molecules during summertime. By contrast, in an ice-covered region around Villum, we observed new particle formation driven by iodic acid but its concentration was insufficient to grow nucleated particles to CCN sizes. Our results provide new insight about sources and precursors of Arctic secondary aerosol particles.

The role of polar regions is increasing in terms of megatrends such as globalization, new transport routes, demography, and the use of natural resources with consequent effects on regional and transported pollutant concentrations. We set up the ERA-PLANET Strand 4 project iCUPE - integrative and Comprehensive Understanding on Polar Environments to provide novel insights and observational data on global grand challenges with an Arctic focus. We utilize an integrated approach combining in situ observations, satellite remote sensing Earth observations (EOs), and multi-scale modeling to synthesize data from comprehensive long-term measurements, intensive campaigns, and satellites to deliver data products, metrics, and indicators to stakeholders concerning the environmental status, availability, and extraction of natural resources in the polar areas. The iCUPE work consists of thematic state-of-the-art research and the provision of novel data in atmospheric pollution, local sources and transboundary transport, the characterization of arctic surfaces and their changes, an assessment of the concentrations and impacts of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants and their cycling, the quantification of emissions from natural resource extraction, and the validation and optimization of satellite Earth observation (EO) data streams. In this paper we introduce the iCUPE project and summarize initial results arising out of the integration of comprehensive in situ observations, satellite remote sensing, and multi-scale modeling in the Arctic context.

The Year of Polar Prediction in the Southern Hemisphere (YOPP-SH) had a Special Observing Period (SOP) that ran from November 16, 2018 to February 15, 2019, a period chosen to span the austral warm season months of greatest operational activity in the Antarctic. Some 2200 additional radiosondes were launched during the 3-month SOP, roughly doubling the routine program, and the network of drifting buoys in the Southern Ocean was enhanced. An evaluation of global model forecasts during the SOP and using its data has confirmed that extratropical Southern Hemisphere forecast skill lags behind that in the Northern Hemisphere with the contrast being greatest between the southern and northern polar regions. Reflecting the application of the SOP data, early results from observing system experiments show that the additional radiosondes.

The Year of Polar Prediction in the Southern Hemisphere (YOPP-SH) had a Special Observing Period (SOP) that ran from November 16, 2018 to February 15, 2019, a period chosen to span the austral warm season months of greatest operational activity in the Antarctic. Some 2200 additional radiosondes were launched during the 3-month SOP, roughly doubling the routine program, and the network of drifting buoys in the Southern Ocean was enhanced. An evaluation of global model forecasts during the SOP and using its data has confirmed that extratropical Southern Hemisphere forecast skill lags behind that in the Northern Hemisphere with the contrast being greatest between the southern and northern polar regions. Reflecting the application of the SOP data, early results from observing system experiments show that the additional radiosondes.

The Year of Polar Prediction in the Southern Hemisphere (YOPP-SH) had a Special Observing Period (SOP) that ran from November 16, 2018 to February 15, 2019, a period chosen to span the austral warm season months of greatest operational activity in the Antarctic. Some 2200 additional radiosondes were launched during the 3-month SOP, roughly doubling the routine program, and the network of drifting buoys in the Southern Ocean was enhanced. An evaluation of global model forecasts during the SOP and using its data has confirmed that extratropical Southern Hemisphere forecast skill lags behind that in the Northern Hemisphere with the contrast being greatest between the southern and northern polar regions. Reflecting the application of the SOP data, early results from observing system experiments show that the additional radiosondes yield the greatest forecast improvement for deep cyclones near the Antarctic coast. The SOP data have been applied to provide insights on an atmospheric river event during the YOPP-SH SOP that presented a challenging forecast and that impacted southern South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. YOPP-SH data have also been applied in that seasonal predictions by coupled atmosphere-ocean-sea ice models struggle to capture the spatial and temporal characteristics of the Antarctic sea ice minimum. Education, outreach, and communication activities have supported the YOPP-SH SOP efforts. Based on the success of this Antarctic summer YOPP-SH SOP, a winter YOPP-SH SOP is being organized to support explorations of Antarctic atmospheric predictability in the austral cold season when the southern sea-ice cover is rapidly expanding.

New particle formation in the Arctic atmosphere is an important source of aerosol particles. Understanding the processes of Arctic secondary aerosol formation is crucial due to their significant impact on cloud properties and therefore Arctic amplification. We observed the molecular formation of new particles from low-volatility vapors at two Arctic sites with differing surroundings. In Svalbard, sulfuric acid (SA) and methane sulfonic acid (MSA) contribute to the formation of secondary aerosol and to some extent to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). This occurs via ion-induced nucleation of SA and NH and subsequent growth by mainly SA and MSA condensation during springtime and highly oxygenated organic molecules during summertime. By contrast, in an ice-covered region around Villum, we observed new particle formation driven by iodic acid but its concentration was insufficient to grow nucleated particles to CCN sizes. Our results provide new insight about sources and precursors of Arctic secondary aerosol particles.

Aerosols are an integral part of the Arctic climate system due to their direct interaction with radiation and indirect interaction through cloud formation. Understanding aerosol size distributions and their dynamics is crucial for the ability to predict these climate relevant effects. When of favourable size and composition, both long-rangetransported - and locally formed particles - may serve as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Small changes of composition or size may have a large impact on the low CCN concentrations currently characteristic of the Arctic environment. We present a cluster analysis of particle size distributions (PSDs; size range 8-500 nm) simultaneously collected from three high Arctic sites during a 3-year period (20132015). Two sites are located in the Svalbard archipelago: Zeppelin research station (ZEP; 474 m above ground) and the nearby Gruvebadet Observatory (GRU; about 2 km distance from Zeppelin, 67 m above ground). The third site (Villum Research Station at Station Nord, VRS; 30 m above ground) is 600 km west-northwest of Zeppelin, at the tip of northeastern Greenland. The GRU site is included in an inter-site comparison for the first time. K-means cluster analysis pro- vided eight specific aerosol categories, further combined into broad PSD classes with similar characteristics, namely pristine low concentrations (12 %-14 % occurrence), new particle formation (16 %-32 %), Aitken (21 %-35 %) and accumulation (20 %-50 %). Confined for longer time periods by consolidated pack sea ice regions, the Greenland site GRU shows PSDs with lower ultrafine-mode aerosol concentrations during summer but higher accumulation-mode aerosol concentrations during winter, relative to the Svalbard sites. By association with chemical composition and cloud condensation nuclei properties, further conclusions can be derived. Three distinct types of accumulation-mode aerosol are observed during winter months. These are associated with sea spray (largest detectable si

A closure experiment was conducted over Svalbard by comparing Lidar measurements and optical aerosol properties calculated from aerosol vertical profiles measured using a tethered balloon. Arctic Haze was present together with Icelandic dust. Chemical analysis of filter samples, aerosol size distribution and a full set of meteorological parameters were determined at ground. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS) data were at disposal showing the presence of several mineralogical phases (i.e., sheet silicates, gypsum, quartz, rutile, hematite). The closure experiment was set up by calculating the backscattering coefficients from tethered balloon data and comparing them with the corresponding lidar profiles. This was preformed in three subsequent steps aimed at determining the importance of a complete aerosol speciation: (i) a simple, columnar refractive index was obtained by the closest Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) station, (ii) the role of water-soluble components, elemental carbon and organic matter (EC/OM) was addressed, (iii) the dust composition was included. When considering the AERONET data, or only the ionic water-soluble components and the EC/OM fraction, results showed an underestimation of the backscattering lidar signal up to 76, 53 and 45% (355, 532 and 1064 nm). Instead, when the dust contribution was included, the underestimation disappeared and the vertically-averaged, backscattering coefficients (1.45±0.30, 0.69±0.15 and 0.34±0.08 Mm-1 sr-1, at 355, 532 and 1064 nm) were found in keeping with the lidar ones (1.60±0.22, 0.75±0.16 and 0.31±0.08 Mm-1 sr-1). Final results were characterized by low RMSE (0.36, 0.08 and 0.04 Mm-1 sr-1) and a high linear correlation (R2 of 0.992, 0.992 and 0.994) with slopes close to one (1.368, 0.931 and 0.977, respectively). This work highlighted the importance of all the aerosol components and of the synergy between single particle and bulk chemical analysis for the opt

Two years of continuous in situ measurements of Arctic low‐level clouds have been made at the Mount Zeppelin Observatory (78°56′N, 11°53′E), in Ny‐Ålesund, Spitsbergen. The monthly median value of the cloud particle number concentration (Nc) showed a clear seasonal variation: Its maximum appeared in May–July (65 ± 8 cm−3), and it remained low between October and March (8 ± 7 cm−3). At temperatures warmer than 0 °C, a clear correlation was found between the hourly Nc values and the number concentrations of aerosols with dry diameters larger than 70 nm (N70), which are proxies for cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). When clouds were detected at temperatures colder than 0 °C, some of the data followed the summertime Nc to N70 relationship, while other data showed systematically lower Nc values. The lidar‐derived depolarization ratios suggested that the former (CCN‐controlled) and latter (CCN‐uncontrolled) data generally corresponded to clouds consisting of supercooled water droplets and those containing ice particles, respectively. The CCN‐controlled data persistently appeared throughout the year at Zeppelin. The aerosol‐cloud interaction index (ACI = dlnNc/(3dlnN70)) for the CCN‐controlled data showed high sensitivities to aerosols both in the summer (clean air) and winter–spring (Arctic haze) seasons (0.22 ± 0.03 and 0.25 ± 0.02, respectively). The air parcel model calculations generally reproduced these values. The threshold diameters of aerosol activation (Dact), which account for the Nc of the CCN‐controlled data, were as low as 30–50 nm when N70 was less than 30 cm−3, suggesting that new particle formation can affect Arctic cloud microphysics.

Two years of continuous in situ measurements of Arctic low‐level clouds have been made at the Mount Zeppelin Observatory (78°56′N, 11°53′E), in Ny‐Ålesund, Spitsbergen. The monthly median value of the cloud particle number concentration (Nc) showed a clear seasonal variation: Its maximum appeared in May–July (65 ± 8 cm−3), and it remained low between October and March (8 ± 7 cm−3). At temperatures warmer than 0 °C, a clear correlation was found between the hourly Nc values and the number concentrations of aerosols with dry diameters larger than 70 nm (N70), which are proxies for cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). When clouds were detected at temperatures colder than 0 °C, some of the data followed the summertime Nc to N70 relationship, while other data showed systematically lower Nc values. The lidar‐derived depolarization ratios suggested that the former (CCN‐controlled) and latter (CCN‐uncontrolled) data generally corresponded to clouds consisting of supercooled water droplets and those containing ice particles, respectively. The CCN‐controlled data persistently appeared throughout the year at Zeppelin. The aerosol‐cloud interaction index (ACI = dlnNc/(3dlnN70)) for the CCN‐controlled data showed high sensitivities to aerosols both in the summer (clean air) and winter–spring (Arctic haze) seasons (0.22 ± 0.03 and 0.25 ± 0.02, respectively). The air parcel model calculations generally reproduced these values. The threshold diameters of aerosol activation (Dact), which account for the Nc of the CCN‐controlled data, were as low as 30–50 nm when N70 was less than 30 cm−3, suggesting that new particle formation can affect Arctic cloud microphysics.

A closure experiment was conducted over Svalbard by comparing Lidar measurements and optical aerosol properties calculated from aerosol vertical profiles measured using a tethered balloon. Arctic Haze was present together with Icelandic dust. Chemical analysis of filter samples, aerosol size distribution and a full set of meteorological parameters were determined at ground. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS) data were at disposal showing the presence of several mineralogical phases (i.e., sheet silicates, gypsum, quartz, rutile, hematite). The closure experiment was set up by calculating the backscattering coefficients from tethered balloon data and comparing them with the corresponding lidar profiles. This was preformed in three subsequent steps aimed at determining the importance of a complete aerosol speciation: (i) a simple, columnar refractive index was obtained by the closest Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) station, (ii) the role of water-soluble components, elemental carbon and organic matter (EC/OM) was addressed, (iii) the dust composition was included. When considering the AERONET data, or only the ionic water-soluble components and the EC/OM fraction, results showed an underestimation of the backscattering lidar signal up to 76, 53 and 45% (355, 532 and 1064 nm). Instead, when the dust contribution was included, the underestimation disappeared and the vertically-averaged, backscattering coefficients (1.45±0.30, 0.69±0.15 and 0.34±0.08 Mm-1 sr-1, at 355, 532 and 1064 nm) were found in keeping with the lidar ones (1.60±0.22, 0.75±0.16 and 0.31±0.08 Mm-1 sr-1). Final results were characterized by low RMSE (0.36, 0.08 and 0.04 Mm-1 sr-1) and a high linear correlation (R2 of 0.992, 0.992 and 0.994) with slopes close to one (1.368, 0.931 and 0.977, respectively). This work highlighted the importance of all the aerosol components and of the synergy between single particle and bulk chemical analysis for the opt

The present report aims to address the topic of robustness of instruments and equipment to extreme environmental conditions issue. We are interest to define standard test methods suitable to the specific activities of ENVRI RIs. In this sense, attention need to be devoted not only to commercial instruments, but also to technical solutions often adopted to adapt commercial and/or custom instruments to the extreme environmental conditions in which they will be deployed and will operate. In this report, for our scopes, the concept of extreme environment/conditions is always intended in a very broad sense. First two chapters are mainly devoted to provide a brief but exhaustive introduction about the concept of standards and actual landscape of international as well as national organizations, normative panorama and ongoing tendency arising from rapid technological transformation and global economy. We focus on technical standards, from definitions until description of the whole tailoring process needed to be implemented to carry on in a correct way standard test methods for ruggedness. About this process, Chapter 3 is devoted to describe the typical life cycle of instrumentation operated by RIs of different domains. Based on an analysis of technical standards available for robustness (chapter 4), four standards have been identified to provide necessary information and standard procedures for scope of ENVRI RIs. They are MIL-STD-810G, NF-X 10-812, IEC 60068 and IEC 60259 (IP code). These standards, briefly described in Chapter 4, are considering different environmental parameters and induced effects, providing for all of part of them standard test methods. They group test methods into categories, and, when necessary, include guidelines and suggestions on how to fix or control other environmental parameters affecting the results. For the scope of this Report, categories provided by selected standards have been revisited considering usual environmental conditions in which E

The present report aims to address the topic of robustness of instruments and equipment to extreme environmental conditions issue. We are interest to define standard test methods suitable to the specific activities of ENVRI RIs. In this sense, attention need to be devoted not only to commercial instruments, but also to technical solutions often adopted to adapt commercial and/or custom instruments to the extreme environmental conditions in which they will be deployed and will operate. In this report, for our scopes, the concept of extreme environment/conditions is always intended in a very broad sense. First two chapters are mainly devoted to provide a brief but exhaustive introduction about the concept of standards and actual landscape of international as well as national organizations, normative panorama and ongoing tendency arising from rapid technological transformation and global economy. We focus on technical standards, from definitions until description of the whole tailoring process needed to be implemented to carry on in a correct way standard test methods for ruggedness. About this process, Chapter 3 is devoted to describe the typical life cycle of instrumentation operated by RIs of different domains. Based on an analysis of technical standards available for robustness (chapter 4), four standards have been identified to provide necessary information and standard procedures for scope of ENVRI RIs. They are MIL-STD-810G, NF-X 10-812, IEC 60068 and IEC 60259 (IP code). These standards, briefly described in Chapter 4, are considering different environmental parameters and induced effects, providing for all of part of them standard test methods. They group test methods into categories, and, when necessary, include guidelines and suggestions on how to fix or control other environmental parameters affecting the results. For the scope of this Report, categories provided by selected standards have been revisited considering usual environmental conditions in which E

The present report aims to address the topic of robustness of instruments and equipment to extreme environmental conditions issue. We are interest to define standard test methods suitable to the specific activities of ENVRI RIs. In this sense, attention need to be devoted not only to commercial instruments, but also to technical solutions often adopted to adapt commercial and/or custom instruments to the extreme environmental conditions in which they will be deployed and will operate. In this report, for our scopes, the concept of extreme environment/conditions is always intended in a very broad sense. First two chapters are mainly devoted to provide a brief but exhaustive introduction about the concept of standards and actual landscape of international as well as national organizations, normative panorama and ongoing tendency arising from rapid technological transformation and global economy. We focus on technical standards, from definitions until description of the whole tailoring process needed to be implemented to carry on in a correct way standard test methods for ruggedness. About this process, Chapter 3 is devoted to describe the typical life cycle of instrumentation operated by RIs of different domains. Based on an analysis of technical standards available for robustness (chapter 4), four standards have been identified to provide necessary information and standard procedures for scope of ENVRI RIs. They are MIL-STD-810G, NF-X 10-812, IEC 60068 and IEC 60259 (IP code). These standards, briefly described in Chapter 4, are considering different environmental parameters and induced effects, providing for all of part of them standard test methods. They group test methods into categories, and, when necessary, include guidelines and suggestions on how to fix or control other environmental parameters affecting the results. For the scope of this Report, categories provided by selected standards have been revisited considering usual environmental conditions in which E

The present report aims to address the topic of robustness of instruments and equipment to extreme environmental conditions issue. We are interest to define standard test methods suitable to the specific activities of ENVRI RIs. In this sense, attention need to be devoted not only to commercial instruments, but also to technical solutions often adopted to adapt commercial and/or custom instruments to the extreme environmental conditions in which they will be deployed and will operate. In this report, for our scopes, the concept of extreme environment/conditions is always intended in a very broad sense. First two chapters are mainly devoted to provide a brief but exhaustive introduction about the concept of standards and actual landscape of international as well as national organizations, normative panorama and ongoing tendency arising from rapid technological transformation and global economy. We focus on technical standards, from definitions until description of the whole tailoring process needed to be implemented to carry on in a correct way standard test methods for ruggedness. About this process, Chapter 3 is devoted to describe the typical life cycle of instrumentation operated by RIs of different domains. Based on an analysis of technical standards available for robustness (chapter 4), four standards have been identified to provide necessary information and standard procedures for scope of ENVRI RIs. They are MIL-STD-810G, NF-X 10-812, IEC 60068 and IEC 60259 (IP code). These standards, briefly described in Chapter 4, are considering different environmental parameters and induced effects, providing for all of part of them standard test methods. They group test methods into categories, and, when necessary, include guidelines and suggestions on how to fix or control other environmental parameters affecting the results. For the scope of this Report, categories provided by selected standards have been revisited considering usual environmental conditions in which E

The object of this study was to investigate the different modal behavior of ultrafine aerosol particles collected at the Gruvebadet observatory located in Ny-lesund (Svalbard Islands, 78A degrees 55'N, 11A degrees 56'E). Aerosol particle size distribution was measured in the size range from 10 to 470 nm typically from the beginning of spring to the beginning of fall during four (non-consecutive) years (2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014). The median concentration for the whole period taken into account was 214 particles cm(-3), oscillating between the median maximum in July with a concentration of 257 particles cm(-3) and a median minimum in April with 197 particles cm(-3). The median total number concentration did not present a well-defined seasonal behavior, as shown by contrast looking at the sub/modal number concentration, where distinct trends appeared in the predominant accumulation concentration recorded during April/May and the preponderant concentration of Aitken particles during the summer months. Lastly, the short side-by-side spring 2013 campaign performed at the Zeppelin observatory with a differential mobility particle sizer was characterized by an aerosol concentration mean steady difference between the two instruments of around 14 %, thereby supporting the reliability of the device located at Gruvebadet.

We present results from a systematic study of vertical profiles of aerosol number size distribution and black carbon (BC) concentrations conducted in the Arctic, over Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard). The campaign lasted 2 years (2011–2012) and resulted in 200 vertical profiles measured by means of a tethered balloon (up to 1200 m a.g.l.) during the spring and summer seasons. In addition, chemical analysis of filter samples, aerosol size distribution and a full set of meteorological parameters were determined at ground. The collected experimental data allowed a classification of the vertical profiles into different typologies, which allowed us to describe the seasonal phenomenology of vertical aerosol properties in the Arctic. During spring, four main types of profiles were found and their behavior was related to the main aerosol and atmospheric dynamics occurring at the measuring site. Background conditions generated homogenous profiles. Transport events caused an increase of aerosol concentration with altitude. High Arctic haze pollution trapped below thermal inversions promoted a decrease of aerosol concentration with altitude. Finally, ground-based plumes of locally formed secondary aerosol determined profiles with decreasing aerosol concentration located at different altitude as a function of size. During the summer season, the impact from shipping caused aerosol and BC pollution plumes to be constrained close to the ground, indicating that increasing shipping emissions in the Arctic could bring anthropogenic aerosol and BC in the Arctic summer, affecting the climate.

Multitudes of measurements are needed to understand the environment and its evolution. The Arctic region is a fundamental observation area for climate change evaluation: climate change comes first and comes faster in the Arctic. The higher accuracy required to quickly capture trends; the extreme range and conditions of sensors exposure; a robust comparability asked by the different measurement networks; the need of dedicated calibration procedures, together with the logistical problems associated with such remote location, motivate the proposal for a joint effort to address metrology experience and activities for Arctic research applications. The Ny-Ålesund international research base and community offers a unique infrastructure to directly link metrological traceability to on site polar measurements. The contribution reports a study on the implementation of specific calibration procedures, metrological validation of measurements and instrument tests, uncertainties evaluations including quantities of influence, and the feasibility of a metrology laboratory in Ny-Ålesund.

The International workshop on Atmospheric Studies in the Arctic was held at the Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences in Sopot, Poland on 28. and 29. January 2016. The workshop is a joint effort of the iAREA team, the Alfred Wegener Institute and the University of Florence in cooperation with the Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences and the Center for Polar Studies. The workshop is a contribution to the Ny-Aalesund Atmosphere Flagship Programme. This book of abstract includes the contributions building on the iAREA campaigns in 2014 and 2015 held in Ny-Aalesund, Spitsbergen.

We present results from a systematic study of vertical profiles of aerosol number size distribution and black carbon (BC) concentrations conducted in the Arctic, over Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard). The campaign lasted 2 years (2011–2012) and resulted in 200 vertical profiles measured by means of a tethered balloon (up to 1200 m a.g.l.) during the spring and summer seasons. In addition, chemical analysis of filter samples, aerosol size distribution and a full set of meteorological parameters were determined at ground. The collected experimental data allowed a classification of the vertical profiles into different typologies, which allowed us to describe the seasonal phenomenology of vertical aerosol properties in the Arctic. During spring, four main types of profiles were found and their behavior was related to the main aerosol and atmospheric dynamics occurring at the measuring site. Background conditions generated homogenous profiles. Transport events caused an increase of aerosol concentration with altitude. High Arctic haze pollution trapped below thermal inversions promoted a decrease of aerosol concentration with altitude. Finally, ground-based plumes of locally formed secondary aerosol determined profiles with decreasing aerosol concentration located at different altitude as a function of size. During the summer season, the impact from shipping caused aerosol and BC pollution plumes to be constrained close to the ground, indicating that increasing shipping emissions in the Arctic could bring anthropogenic aerosol and BC in the Arctic summer, affecting the climate.

Multitudes of measurements are needed to understand the environment and its evolution. The Arctic region is a fundamental observation area for climate change evaluation: climate change comes first and comes faster in the Arctic. The higher accuracy required to quickly capture trends; the extreme range and conditions of sensors exposure; a robust comparability asked by the different measurement networks; the need of dedicated calibration procedures, together with the logistical problems associated with such remote location, motivate the proposal for a joint effort to address metrology experience and activities for Arctic research applications. The Ny-Ålesund international research base and community offers a unique infrastructure to directly link metrological traceability to on site polar measurements. The contribution reports a study on the implementation of specific calibration procedures, metrological validation of measurements and instrument tests, uncertainties evaluations including quantities of influence, and the feasibility of a metrology laboratory in Ny-Ålesund.

The International workshop on Atmospheric Studies in the Arctic was held at the Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences in Sopot, Poland on 28. and 29. January 2016. The workshop is a joint effort of the iAREA team, the Alfred Wegener Institute and the University of Florence in cooperation with the Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences and the Center for Polar Studies. The workshop is a contribution to the Ny-Aalesund Atmosphere Flagship Programme. This book of abstract includes the contributions building on the iAREA campaigns in 2014 and 2015 held in Ny-Aalesund, Spitsbergen.

The Arctic research village of Ny-Ålesund (79 ° N, 12 ° E) on the Spitsbergen island of Svalbard archipelago, with its logistics and infrastructure, provides a unique access to the Arctic environment. Among the several international environmental and climate monitoring programmes constantly running there, the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Reference Upper Air Network (GRUAN) has established one of its stations at the Alfred Wegener Institute observatory. Calibration of sensors and measurement traceability are fundamental aspects of climate observations, as requested by the GRUAN measurement procedures. In the framework of the MeteoMet project, a transportable climatic chamber for the calibrations of air temperature and pressure sensors was studied and manufactured. In June 2014, a calibration campaign involved the transport and use of one of those systems in the Ny-Ålesund GRUAN station. The result of the campaign has been the complete calibration of temperature and pressure sensors for radiosonde pre-launch ground checks. The resulting calibration curves were obtained with lower uncertainties and more robust characterization of the sensors, with respect to the usual procedures adopted. Given the opportunity of the calibration device operating already in place and the presence of the metrology staff, the calibration was extended to the sensors equipping the Amundsen-Nobile Climate Change Tower. The present study reports on the ‘Arctic metrology 2014’ campaign and the plans for the establishment of a permanent laboratory for metrology in Ny-Ålesund. The aim is to address the measurement traceability needs arising from the multidisciplinary measurements made by the scientific community operating there.

The Arctic research village of Ny-Ålesund (79 ° N, 12 ° E) on the Spitsbergen island of Svalbard archipelago, with its logistics and infrastructure, provides a unique access to the Arctic environment. Among the several international environmental and climate monitoring programmes constantly running there, the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Reference Upper Air Network (GRUAN) has established one of its stations at the Alfred Wegener Institute observatory. Calibration of sensors and measurement traceability are fundamental aspects of climate observations, as requested by the GRUAN measurement procedures. In the framework of the MeteoMet project, a transportable climatic chamber for the calibrations of air temperature and pressure sensors was studied and manufactured. In June 2014, a calibration campaign involved the transport and use of one of those systems in the Ny-Ålesund GRUAN station. The result of the campaign has been the complete calibration of temperature and pressure sensors for radiosonde pre-launch ground checks. The resulting calibration curves were obtained with lower uncertainties and more robust characterization of the sensors, with respect to the usual procedures adopted. Given the opportunity of the calibration device operating already in place and the presence of the metrology staff, the calibration was extended to the sensors equipping the Amundsen-Nobile Climate Change Tower. The present study reports on the ‘Arctic metrology 2014’ campaign and the plans for the establishment of a permanent laboratory for metrology in Ny-Ålesund. The aim is to address the measurement traceability needs arising from the multidisciplinary measurements made by the scientific community operating there.

In November 2008, Svalbard Science Forum organised a workshop with the aim to discuss future focal areas in atmosphere research in Ny-Ålesund. The result is this document that initiates an Atmosphere Research Flagship programme as part of the NySMAC science plan for Ny-Ålesund. In Ny-Ålesund, long term measurements of several key climate parameters from the surface level up to the ozone layer have been performed for decades already. Such comprehensive data sets are available from very few sites in the Arctic and the data are continuously fed into global networks. Ny-Ålesund offers excellent conditions for scientific research, due to its accessibility and international and multidisciplinary character. For atmospheric research, Ny-Ålesund offers the possibility to perform continuous measurements both close at sea level and at 475 m of altitude within a relatively pristine environment. Also, its location under the magnetospheric cusp makes it a unique place for observing the solar wind and magnetosphere interaction on the dayside. In order to optimally use these excellent conditions for atmospheric research and to improve cooperation within the Kongsfjorden science community, this document describes general flagship goals which include the optimal utilization of available instruments and data sets, the establishment and further development of common research infrastructures, and a programme to investigate the representativeness of measurements in Ny-Ålesund for climate change research and atmospheric process studies. The flagship programme states the following future research priorities: • Long term observations of key parameters concerning climate change • Planetary boundary layer (PBL) research • Studies and monitoring of long range transport of pollutants • Arctic ozone layer and UV research • Ionospheric / magnetospheric research • Validation and synergistic analyses of satellite data The flagship programme aims to establish a unique international long-term atmosph

In November 2008, Svalbard Science Forum organised a workshop with the aim to discuss future focal areas in atmosphere research in Ny-Ålesund. The result is this document that initiates an Atmosphere Research Flagship programme as part of the NySMAC science plan for Ny-Ålesund. In Ny-Ålesund, long term measurements of several key climate parameters from the surface level up to the ozone layer have been performed for decades already. Such comprehensive data sets are available from very few sites in the Arctic and the data are continuously fed into global networks. Ny-Ålesund offers excellent conditions for scientific research, due to its accessibility and international and multidisciplinary character. For atmospheric research, Ny-Ålesund offers the possibility to perform continuous measurements both close at sea level and at 475 m of altitude within a relatively pristine environment. Also, its location under the magnetospheric cusp makes it a unique place for observing the solar wind and magnetosphere interaction on the dayside. In order to optimally use these excellent conditions for atmospheric research and to improve cooperation within the Kongsfjorden science community, this document describes general flagship goals which include the optimal utilization of available instruments and data sets, the establishment and further development of common research infrastructures, and a programme to investigate the representativeness of measurements in Ny-Ålesund for climate change research and atmospheric process studies. The flagship programme states the following future research priorities: • Long term observations of key parameters concerning climate change • Planetary boundary layer (PBL) research • Studies and monitoring of long range transport of pollutants • Arctic ozone layer and UV research • Ionospheric / magnetospheric research • Validation and synergistic analyses of satellite data The flagship programme aims to establish a unique international long-term atmosph

Background and purpose The European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology was funded by the EU for a project on recording providing education, and ameliorating the consequences of treatment (REACT). An European audit was carried out as part of which to assess the usefulness of current follow-up practices. Patients and methods Over a 4-month period in 15 cancer centres in 10 countries, patients attending for routine follow-up completed a questionnaire covering their expectations of and satisfaction with the visit. This was matched with a questionnaire completed by the physician about the content and usefulness of the consultation. The feasibility of a short toxicity scale developed by Dische and Saunders was also investigated. Results In total, 2303 matched questionnaires were analysed. Forty percent of the patients had symptoms or medical problems related to their disease. In 18% there was a positive finding on clinical examination. In 28% investigations were undertaken part of departmental routine practice. Ten percent of the investigations showed an abnormal result. Ninety nine percent of physicians and 85% of the patients expressed satisfaction. Using the short toxicity scale rates of recording toxicity could be increased from 28 to 93%. Conclusions There is wide variation in follow-up practices among European centres. There was a low incidence of positive findings clinically or with routine investigations. A simple scale for recording morbidity has proved easy to use by departments, which have not routinely used one of the standard measures. Further work will attempt to produce an European guideline for effective routine follow-up after radiotherapy. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Background and purpose The European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology was funded by the EU for a project on recording providing education, and ameliorating the consequences of treatment (REACT). An European audit was carried out as part of which to assess the usefulness of current follow-up practices. Patients and methods Over a 4-month period in 15 cancer centres in 10 countries, patients attending for routine follow-up completed a questionnaire covering their expectations of and satisfaction with the visit. This was matched with a questionnaire completed by the physician about the content and usefulness of the consultation. The feasibility of a short toxicity scale developed by Dische and Saunders was also investigated. Results In total, 2303 matched questionnaires were analysed. Forty percent of the patients had symptoms or medical problems related to their disease. In 18% there was a positive finding on clinical examination. In 28% investigations were undertaken part of departmental routine practice. Ten percent of the investigations showed an abnormal result. Ninety nine percent of physicians and 85% of the patients expressed satisfaction. Using the short toxicity scale rates of recording toxicity could be increased from 28 to 93%. Conclusions There is wide variation in follow-up practices among European centres. There was a low incidence of positive findings clinically or with routine investigations. A simple scale for recording morbidity has proved easy to use by departments, which have not routinely used one of the standard measures. Further work will attempt to produce an European guideline for effective routine follow-up after radiotherapy. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Questa dissertazione illustra la creazione di un prototipo di portale web per la fruizione ed elaborazione di documenti legali, che prende il nome di "Fmx2Akn". Le due sigle sono l'abbreviazione di "FORMEX" ed "AKOMA NTOSO", due dialetti XML: il primo è stato sviluppato dall'Ufficio delle Pubblicazioni dell'UE, ed è il dialetto con il quale sono marcati tutti i documenti ufficiali dell'UE; il secondo è stato sviluppato all'interno di un progetto promosso dal Dipartimento per l’Economia e gli Affari Sociali delle Nazioni Unite, ed è in grado di adattarsi alle differenti necessità di specifici sistemi legislativi. Allo stato attuale il prototipo di portale, che si basa su un web server in Node.js/Express, che utilizza il framework Semantic-UI per l'interfaccia grafica e i database NoSQL MongoDB ed eXist-DB, è in grado di recuperare automaticamente tutte le istanze di file necessarie dal sito EUR-Lex (incluso il formato tecnico FORMEX) e di metterle a disposizione per la conversione; inoltre, il prototipo è già predisposto per la visualizzazione della conversione, poichè è in grado di mettere in parallelo le due istanze FORMEX e AKOMA NTOSO dello stesso documento, evidenziando fra i due formati tecnici la corrispondenza degli elementi.

Questa dissertazione illustra la creazione di un prototipo di portale web per la fruizione ed elaborazione di documenti legali, che prende il nome di "Fmx2Akn". Le due sigle sono l'abbreviazione di "FORMEX" ed "AKOMA NTOSO", due dialetti XML: il primo è stato sviluppato dall'Ufficio delle Pubblicazioni dell'UE, ed è il dialetto con il quale sono marcati tutti i documenti ufficiali dell'UE; il secondo è stato sviluppato all'interno di un progetto promosso dal Dipartimento per l’Economia e gli Affari Sociali delle Nazioni Unite, ed è in grado di adattarsi alle differenti necessità di specifici sistemi legislativi. Allo stato attuale il prototipo di portale, che si basa su un web server in Node.js/Express, che utilizza il framework Semantic-UI per l'interfaccia grafica e i database NoSQL MongoDB ed eXist-DB, è in grado di recuperare automaticamente tutte le istanze di file necessarie dal sito EUR-Lex (incluso il formato tecnico FORMEX) e di metterle a disposizione per la conversione; inoltre, il prototipo è già predisposto per la visualizzazione della conversione, poichè è in grado di mettere in parallelo le due istanze FORMEX e AKOMA NTOSO dello stesso documento, evidenziando fra i due formati tecnici la corrispondenza degli elementi.