The ICOS Ecosystem observations are coordinated by the Ecosystem Thematic Centre (ETC). The ETC offers continuous support to the Ecosystem stations and organises additional training activities. It performs the centralised data processing and quality control and provides technical assistance to the stations. The ETC collaborates closely with the Ecosystem MSA and the broader scientific community to develop and test new data processing methods, measurement techniques and instruments to evaluate their potential use and implementation in the Ecosystem network. As part of the labelling process, the ETC evaluates the quality of the Ecosystem stations before they are included in the ICOS Ecosystem station network. The ETC manages the international collaborations of the Ecosystem network to increase its visibility and oversees the activities that enhance the data interoperability across different terrestrial Ecosystem networks and Research Infrastructures.
The ETC is coordinated and operated by the Euro- Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change (CMCC) in collaboration with the University of Tuscia (UNITUS) in Viterbo, Italy, the University of Antwerp (Research group on Plant and Ecosystems: PLECO) in Antwerp, Belgium and the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), France.
Structure of the ETC
Executive Committee unit
The Executive Committee Unit’s main tasks include communication and interaction with the ICOS community and other Central Facilities. The unit also organises annual assessments of ETC operations and plans its medium- and long-term activities. It is also responsible for the international collaborations.
Data unit
The Data Unit’s main tasks include Level 2 and NRT data production and metadata collection as well as automatic data quality assistance, quality control and processing. The unit shares, distributes and archives data and develops tools for data exploration and validation. This unit also maintains an alert service in case of data problems and inconsistencies.
Test unit
The Test Unit’s main tasks include the evaluation of new sensors and prototypes and the development of new processing and quality control methods. The unit is responsible for interactions with instrument manufacturers and research centres.
Network unit
The Network Unit’s main tasks include providing assistance to the ICOS Ecosystem stations, evaluation of station performances and the labelling activities. The unit organises training sessions for site managers and technicians and forms work-groups for protocol development. This unit also analyses soil and vegetation samples and takes care of their storage.
Contact ETC
Dr Dario Papale
Director, ICOS Ecosystem Thematic Centre
DIBAF University of Tuscia, Largo dell’Università - Blocco D
01100 Viterbo
ITALY
contact-etc (at) lists.icos-ri.eu