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Ineia station (CAO-INE)

  • CAO-INE

    The Cyprus Atmospheric Observatory station in Ineia (CAO-INE) is located on the western coast of Cyprus, within the Akamas Peninsula. Set on a remote hilltop near the village of Ineia, the station sits at around 660 meters above sea level and offers a clear view of incoming air masses from the Mediterranean region.

    Thanks to its position near the sea and the influence of prevailing south-westerly and westerly winds, the station receives air that often originates from Europe and travels over the Mediterranean before reaching Cyprus. This makes it an ideal location for studying greenhouse gases and understanding regional air pollution patterns.

    Since its establishment in December 2021, the station is used to collect greenhouse gases (GHGs) and meteorological data. The greenhouse gas measurements conducted at the INEIA station, mainly CO2, CH4, and CO are fully compliant with the specifications set by the Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS).

  • The site includes a private facility with a tower, where instruments continuously sample air and record weather data. These instruments are housed in an air-conditioned room at the base of the tower, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements throughout the year.
    The INEIA observatory follows the standards of an ICOS Atmosphere Class 2 station, designed to provide high-quality, continuous measurements of greenhouse gases and meteorological conditions.
    The station is equipped with:
    • Greenhouse Gas Analyzers: High-precision instruments continuously measure carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations. These analyzers are calibrated regularly using reference gas standards to ensure data accuracy and comparability across different networks.
    • Air Sampling System: Ambient air is drawn through high-quality inlet lines installed on the tower at 30m. 
    • Meteorological Sensors: Standard sensors record wind speed and direction, air temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure. 
    • Reference Gas System: To maintain traceable and consistent gas measurements, the station includes a system of pressurized calibration cylinders connected to the analyzers, allowing for regular automatic calibration sequences.
    The entire setup operates continuously and autonomously, with remote monitoring and routine maintenance ensuring high data quality. 

Location & Access

GPS Coordinates: 34.96207° N, 32.37757°  E ; 

Visitors and collaborators are welcome to access the station. Please contact Pierre-Yves Quehe in advance to arrange your visit.