Climate measuring goes global.

• Position: Monitoring - Brief Article

Scientists now have the capability to document atmospheric and climate change at locations nearly anywhere in the world, thanks to a mobile atmospheric monitoring system developed at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Its Atmospheric Remote Sensing Laboratory, called PARSL, is a complete climate-measuring system that can be taken to almost any site quickly and easily. This unique ability to be transported to a specific geographic location is critical, explains Jim Mather, a senior research scientist at PNNL. "We can conduct research wherever the need exists by simply loading the equipment on a flat-bed trailer for transport or even placing it in a cargo container for ocean travel. Its instrumentation can be up and operational at a remote site within 48 hours of arrival."

Having immediate access to newly gathered data is another important feature. "A major advantage of PARSL is its ability to complete an experiment and make the data immediately available," notes Tom Ackerman, chief scientist at PNNL. "Our team can download information directly onto a compact disc or website where scientists located anywhere in the world can gain instant access."

The suite of instruments that make up PARSL will...