Atmospheric Research and Teaching Observatory

Overview

The Atmospheric Research and Teaching Observatory (ARTO) is located on the rooftop of the EB building on the north campus of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, China (31.27472 °N, 120.7375 °E). This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the continuous recording of atmospheric observation data, such as meteorological measurement and air quality measurement. By leveraging these data, ARTO aims to enhance our understanding of the interactions between the urban surface, the overlying atmosphere, and the ground below.

Research Themes

ARTO focuses on several key research themes:

• Urban Air Quality: Continuous monitoring of particulate matter and other pollutants to assess air quality.
• Urban Atmosphere Interactions: Investigating how urban surfaces influence and interact with atmospheric conditions.
• Climate Studies: Analyzing long-term meteorological data to study climate patterns and changes.

Mission & Objectives

The mission of ARTO is to advance atmospheric science through high-quality data collection and collaborative research. Our objectives include:

• Providing reliable and continuous atmospheric data for research and teaching.
• Facilitating internal and external collaborative research projects.
• Supporting educational activities by offering hands-on experience with atmospheric observation instruments.
• Contributing to the understanding of atmospheric processes and their impacts.

Significance

ARTO plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of atmospheric dynamics in urban environments. The data collected at ARTO are invaluable for:

• Developing strategies to mitigate air pollution.
• Informing urban planning and policy decisions.
• Advancing scientific knowledge in atmospheric and environmental sciences.
• Educating the next generation of scientists and researchers.

Team

Leaders

• Director: Dr. Peng Zhao
• Vice Director: Dr. Bailiang Li

Students

• Xinzhi Mu (PhD)
• Xin Tan (MRes)
• Baifeng Zhu (PhD)
• Bokun Sun (PhD)
• Minhao Wang (PhD)
• Ziyang Wang (UG)
• Ziqi Zhao (UG)
• Wenxuan Le (UG, graduated in 2023)
• Yumeng Li (UG, graduated in 2022)
• Xintong Wei (UG, graduated in 2022)
• Bingxin Chen (UG, graduated in 2022)
• Jiayun Huang (UG, graduated in 2022)

Instruments

Research Projects

• The exchange of bioaerosols between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. XJTLU RDF. 2022-2025.
• The spatial and temporal patterns of hydrogen concentration in the Yangtze River Delta region and its regulatory mechanism. Collaborative project with Zhejiang University of Technology. 2023-2025.

Outcomes

• Li Y. Water-soluble inorganic ions in atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) of Suzhou. XJTLU FYP thesis. 2022.

Teaching Activities

• ENV212: Air and the Environment
• ENV405: Advanced Statistics in Environmental Science
• SCI002: Scientific Principles and Methods
• ENV222: Advanced Statistics for Environmental Scientists
• ENV221: Introductory Statistics for Environmental Scientists
• DPH206: Methods for Analysing Public Health IV: Working in the Field: Data

Future Directions

Looking ahead, ARTO aims to:

• Expand its range of instruments and measurement capabilities.
• Foster more collaborative research projects, both locally and internationally.
• Integrate new technologies and methodologies for atmospheric observation.
• Continue to provide valuable data and insights to support environmental sustainability and public health initiatives.