CA24155 - Climate Reference Instruments and Measurements (Upper-air, Column and Near Surface) (CRIM)

The Climate Reference Instruments and Measurements (Upper-air, Column and Near Surface) COST Action (CRIM) addresses the critical needs for traceable measurements to the International System of Units (SI) and robust uncertainty quantification in atmospheric and climate research.

The primary objective of CRIM is to foster collaboration and harmonization among researchers, institutions, and stakeholders across Europe, and beyond, to enhance the quality, reliability, and credibility of observational data in climate science. The final aim is to ultimately improve confidence in detecting climate trends and predicting severe events.

The key goals of CRIM are:

1.        Metrological traceability to SI units
2.        Uncertainty quantification and communication 
3.        Streamlining existing reference networks, optimising network design and coverage, and disseminating best practices
4.        Capacity building and knowledge exchange
5.        Engagement with stakeholders, manufacturers and end-users

The approach will start from reference-level measurements (e.g. Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Surface Reference Network – GSRN, GCOS Reference Upper Air Network – GRUAN) and extend to baseline systems. The proposed research will identify metrologically-robust methods and quality assurance frameworks for selected key Essential Climate Variable (ECV), covering upper-air and near-surface observations such as temperature, pressure, water vapour and precipitable water vapour, wind, and precipitation.
 
CRIM will actively engage with stakeholders from academia, governmental bodies, agencies, SMEs, and NGOs, ensuring a transfer of knowledge at different levels. The aim of CRIM is to create a cooperation hub where the identified groups can share their respective expertise on temperature, water vapour and precipitation measurements and their usage for climate studies and applications.