NDACC Goals and Organization

The international Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) was formed to provide a consistent, standardized set of long-term measurements of atmospheric trace gases, particles, and physical parameters via a suite of globally distributed sites.

The principal goals of the network are:

• To study the temporal and spatial variability of atmospheric composition and structure in order to provide early detection and subsequent long-term  monitoring of changes in the physical and chemical state of the stratosphere and upper troposphere; in particular to provide the means to discern and  understand the causes of such changes.
• To establish the links between changes in stratospheric ozone, UV radiation at the ground, tropospheric chemistry, and climate.
• To provide independent calibrations and validations of space-based sensors of the atmosphere and to make complementary measurements.
• To support field campaigns focusing on specific processes occurring at various latitudes and seasons.
• To produce verified data sets for testing and improving multidimensional models of both the stratosphere and the troposphere.
  

The NDACC Steering Committee consists of two co-chairs, pairs of PIs representing each of the Working Groups, Independent Scientists who are appointed to act as peer reviewers, and ex-officio members from important NDACC funding agencies.

To ensure quality and consistency of NDACC operations and products, a number of protocols have been formulated covering such topics as primary and complementary measurements, data, instruments intercomparisons, theory and analysis, and validation.