ICOS RI has more than 100 measuring stations in twelve European countries. These stations measure greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and fluxes through terrestrial and marine ecosystems. ICOS stations are operated and funded by national donors, institutes, and universities, representing an impressive collaborative effort to study climate change.
ICOS Research Infrastructure currently has more than 100 stations in 12 European countries. The current ICOS Atmosphere and Ecosystem Networks comprise more than 30 atmosphere and approximately 70 ecosystem stations across Europe. The ICOS Ocean Network covers the North Atlantic and the European marginal seas. The ocean observing system will consist of more than 20 facilities: volunteer observation vessels, permanent stations, and research vessels.
One parameter is precipitation.
Wind speed is the most important environmental factor in determining solid precipitation. If the measuring devices cannot be installed in a naturally sheltered location, the use of a windbreak is mandatory.
Among the various available options, the Alter version, consisting of loose-hanging louvres, is recommended in ICOS. The following windbreak construction instructions refer to the Single Alter Shield type, but can be used as a reference for other devices.
The single blade configuration consists of a number of individual blades mounted on a 1230 mm diameter circular ring. The blade length is 40.6 cm. The top edge of the circular ring must be 20 mm above the top edge of the rain gauge's collecting opening (e.g., 152.5 cm/150 cm).
The slats are made of 1 mm thick V4A stainless steel. The Alter ICOS windbreak consists of 32 slats that can swing freely on the circular ring.
The slats are separated by spacers. 24 spacers are installed per Alter ICOS windbreak. The Alter ICOS circular windbreak consists of four V4A stainless steel rods mounted on an installation base. The Alter ICOS windbreak offered is mounted independently of the measuring device. This reduces the influence of wind-induced vibrations.
The wind protection ring according to age consists of:
- Standpipe for the rain gauge
- frame
- Stainless steel slats
- Small parts for assembly
1. Measuring height
The wind protection according to age is for the measuring heights:
offered.
The existing foundations and threaded pins on the measuring field are used for installation.
The windbreak is made of V4A 1475 stainless steel. A service life of 10 years is guaranteed when used under average meteorological conditions. This guarantee cannot be given for use on islands.
2. Structure
2.1. The Ring
The windbreak consists of 32, 40.6 cm long, circularly arranged metal slats. The metal strips are trapezoidal and have a U-shape.
The arrangement on the circle with a diameter of 1230 mm is carried out at the same distance using slots.
This also ensures that the metal slats can be easily replaced.
The slats are arranged so they can be moved vertically. This allows them to swing depending on the direction of flow and wind speed, with the aim of reducing turbulence at the rain gauge and thus increasing collection efficiency.
3. Maintenance
To facilitate maintenance of the rain gauge, one element of the ring is designed to be hinged. The element is attached with wing screws and can be removed without tools.
4. The frame
The supports are mounted at a 120° angle and taper toward the foundation base. The supports are secured using the pins provided on the foundation.
The supports and all connecting components are made of V4A stainless steel. The entire system is height-adjustable at the supports. This allows the system to be leveled and adapted to the requirements of the measuring point.
6. Miscellaneous
The windshield can be retrofitted with a holder for an anemometer to correct the precipitation values.
