Inauguration of the new Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR)
The University of Liège has been monitoring atmospheric trace gases at the Sphinx laboratory at Jungfraujoch for more than 70 years. This monitoring program allows to characterize the composition and circulation of the Earth’s atmosphere and their long-term evolution over decadal scales. A suite of instruments has been used over time, giving now access to very high-resolution infrared solar absorption spectra and thus to an iconic observational dataset, unique in the world in terms of quality and temporal coverage, unanimously recognized internationally.
This data set is essential to characterize and understand the accumulation of powerful greenhouse gases influencing climate change, of pollutants affecting air quality and the oxidation capacity of the troposphere, as well as the evolution of the stratospheric ozone layer in a profoundly changing atmosphere. These data not only feed the scientific literature, but they are also crucial for verifying the success of international treaties, such as the Montreal Protocol on the protection of stratospheric ozone, the UNFCCC agreements, or to defining objectives and measures for the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants.
Between 2023 and 2025, the more than 30 years old Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR) has been replaced by a new instrument to ensure the continuity of this important time series. This lifecycle management was undertaken in a collaborative effort, guided by a scientific advisory board and financially supported by MeteoSwiss in the framework of its contribution to the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) and Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) programs.
At the end of November, there was the official inauguration of the new FTIR of the University of Liège at Jungfraujoch. Representatives of the University of Liège, MeteoSwiss, the Belgian Embassy in Switzerland and HFSJG were present at the research station Jungfraujoch, to celebrate the continuation of these important measurements. Pictures: Belgian Embassy and HFSJG / Text: MeteoSwiss and HFSJG
