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Observation is fundamental to understanding global climate change.

TENATSO will support pre-operational atmosphere and ocean observation capability in the tropical Eastern North Atlantic Ocean, specifically at Cape Verde Islands (16°N, 24°W). The entire region, as many tropical areas, is data poor but plays a key role in air-sea interaction.

Cape Verde is ideally located for both ocean and atmosphere observation. Being downwind of the Mauritanian upwelling, the Observatory will provide unique information linking biological productivity and atmospheric composition. The location is critical for climate and greenhouse gas studies and for investigating dust impacts on marine ecosystems.

The co-location of ocean and atmospheric Observatories is unique. Additionally, this Action supports transfer of European technology/expertise to a developing country with strong ties to Europe.

The ocean site will measure temperature, salinity, biological parameters, nutrients, dissolved carbon and oxygen, and include an oceanographic mooring for in-situ observations. Cape Verdean research vessel Islândia will be equipped to collect samples for marine parameters. The data will contribute to GEOSS.

The atmospheric site will measure meteorological parameters, greenhouse and short-lived gases, and aerosols. Data links to the Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will be established.

The Observatory will support research measurements by international investigators and projects. It will provide a valuable platform from which scientists can assess productivity variations associated with changes in upwelling and dust input, and greenhouse and short-lived gases.

For more information please contact
Prof. Douglas Wallace: dwallace AT ifm-geomar.de or
Joana Barcelos e Ramos: jramos AT ifm-geomar.de
Dr. Letícia Cotrim da Cunha: lcotrim AT ifm-geomar.de