Original scientific paper
FAIRMODE: A FORUM FOR AIR QUALITY MODELLING IN EUROPE
N. Moussiopoulos
; Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, PO Box 483, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
P. Dilara
; European Commission Joint Research Centre, I-21020 Ispra, Italy
A. Lükewille
; European Environment Agency, DK-1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark
B. Denby
; Norwegian Institute for Air Research, NILU, PO Box 100, NO-2027 Kjeller, Norway
J. Douros
; Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, PO Box 483, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
E. Fragkou
; Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, PO Box 483, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
S. Larssen
; Norwegian Institute for Air Research, NILU, PO Box 100, NO-2027 Kjeller, Norway
K. Cuvelier
; European Commission Joint Research Centre, I-21020 Ispra, Italy
Abstract
FAIRMODE (Forum for AIR quality MODelling in Europe) is an air quality modelling network that was established as a
joint initiative of the European Environment Agency (EEA) and European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). In a
common effort EEA and JRC aim at responding to the requirements of the new Air Quality Directive, with particular focus on the
introduction of modelling as a necessary tool for air quality assessment and air quality management. The main aim of the modelling
network is to bring together air quality modellers and model users in order to promote and support harmonised use of modelling for
the assessment of air quality by EU and EEA member countries. The network will thus encourage synergy – at a local, national and
European level - through the development and implementation of a common infrastructure based on best practices for reporting and
storing information relevant to air quality modelling. A major objective of the FAIRMODE initiative is to provide guidance to
present and future air quality model users in EEA’s EIONET partnership network. FAIRMODE also aims to enhance awareness of
model usefulness, reliability and accuracy through model validation and intercomparison exercises at a national or European level.
The JRC has taken on a leading role in the co-ordination of the latter activities gaining from its experience in leading the
“Eurodelta” and “CityDelta” intercomparison exercises.
A centralised web portal has been created in support of FAIRMODE, which is currently being used for internal communication
purposes of the network participants, but will also provide the means for exchange of relevant material and experiences between all
interested modellers and model users. The initial activities of the network will be organised by two main Work Groups, focusing on
the preparation of a Guidance Document for model use and on model QA/QC procedures (input data, other uncertainties)
respectively. The progress of the preparation of these documents as well as of the rest of the regular activities of the network will be
reviewed and discussed within the frame of annual Plenary meetings and Steering Committee meetings.
Keywords
New Air Quality Directive; Modelling guidance; Modelling network; FAIRMODE,harmonisation
Hrčak ID:
64238
URI
Publication date:
12.12.2008.
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