Climate and Ocean Observation

The European Metrology Network (EMN) for Climate and Ocean Observation is a network of European national metrology institutes, designated institutes and affiliated partners to support the application of metrology, the science of measurement, to climate and ocean observations.

Observations from in situ sensors, networks and satellite sensors, and their transformation into bio- and geophysical quantities such as the essential climate variables (ECVs) and essential ocean variables (EOVs), are the basis of environmental information services that are used for a wide range of societal and commercial applications. Metrology enables robust, interoperable and stable observational records and aids users in judging the fitness-for-purpose of such records.

Climate

We are addressing measurement challenges associated with the Global Climate Observing System’s Essential Climate Variables (ECVs). ECVs are physical, chemical, and biological variables that characterise Earth’s climate and enable us to monitor how it is changing.

Find out more about our work on ECVs.

Ocean

We are supporting measurement challenges associated with the Global Ocean Observing System’s Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs). EOVs are physical, chemical, and biological variables relating to climate, operational services and ocean ecosystem health. They support the broader economic and societal impacts of ocean activity.

Find out more about our work on EOVs.

Against a dark background are an artist’s illustration of atomic structures with an atom with a large number of neutrons and protons in the foreground with other atoms in the distance

Partnership project delivering first reference materials for stable isotope ratios in seawater

Developing certified reference materials for mass spectroscopy to monitor radioactive pollution in the environment ...

An image showing dawn over the Arctic research station in Norway. In the foreground measuring instruments stand out from the snow and in the background are a range of snow-covered mountains

EURAMET project performs a comparison of thermometer radiation shields in the Arctic

Polar regions are very sensitive to climate change – and monitoring these regions provides early indications of potential...

Image showing rain falling into a puddle, causing a splash of water

EMPIR project develops calibration methods for non-catching precipitation gauges

The project’s work ensures traceability for precipitation gauges which cannot be calibrated using established methods ...

Image showing mercury metal being poured into a test tube

EMPIR project conducts calibration intercomparison for mercury concentrations in the atmosphere

Accurate measurement of mercury concentrations in the atmosphere is vital to protecting people and the environment from t...

On the side of a smoking volcano a seismograph powered by solar cells is transmitting vibration data to headquarters

Guide for the calibration of sensors for seismic, infrasound and hydroacoustic monitoring published

An EMPIR project that demonstrated first traceability for extremely low-frequency sound and vibration measurements has pu...

New videos introduce work of Biosphere project: Cosmic rays, UV radiation and the ozone shield

Developing the first metrological framework to assess the impact of cosmic rays and human activity on the ozone layer ...

BIPM-WMO report recommends integrating metrology into the practice of climate and ocean observation

Metrology for climate action workshop report aligns closely with strategic research agenda of the EMN for Climate and Oce...

Image showing a robotic arm inside an advanced manufacturing setting

World Metrology Day spotlight: the European Metrology Network for Advanced Manufacturing

Working to address the metrology needs for sustainability in manufacturing across Europe