Background

The CVAO was set up in 2005 with funds from the NERC SOLAS programme in partnership with INMG, INDP, IfM-GEOMAR, MPI Jena and IfT-Leipzig. NCAS have funded the UK activities since 2009. The CVAO became a regional GAW station in 2008 and was upgraded to global status on 5th August 2009.

Scientific Objectives

To provide a long-term record of inter-annual variability and trends in marine tropospheric composition and associated meteorological, geophysical and oceanographic factors

To investigate biogeochemical processes important in regulating atmospheric composition and climate, particularly those associated with ocean-atmosphere exchange, dust deposition, and pollution.

To provide a regional focal point and long-term data context for short-term campaigns, experiments and process studies in the marine tropics.