NOAA’s Barrow Observatory conducts research on greenhouse gases, aerosols, surface radiation and stratospheric ozone.
World Data Center for Aerosols
WDCA archives atmospheric aerosol data on microphysical, optical, and chemical properties for the WMO Global Atmosphere Watch program.
About World Data Center for Aerosols
The World Data Centre for Aerosols (WDCA) is the data repository and archive for microphysical, optical, and chemical properties of atmospheric aerosol under the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) programme. It documents GAW aerosol long-term observation core parameters, including physical, optical, chemical, column, and profile measurements, plus additional parameters recommended for long-term or intermittent observation.
The extent of the observation programme varies between networked GAW observatories. Observations are reported by GAW observatories on a voluntary basis, and station infrastructure is contributed by participating national authorities.
Key features
- Archives microphysical, optical, and chemical properties of atmospheric aerosol for the WMO GAW programme.
- Documents core physical parameters such as particle number, size distribution, mass, and CCN concentration.
- Lists optical parameters including scattering, hemispheric backscattering, and absorption coefficients at various wavelengths.
- Lists chemical parameters including major chemical component mass in two size fractions.
- Includes column and profile parameters such as aerosol optical depth and vertical backscattering/extinction profiles.
- Notes additional recommended parameters: relative humidity dependence and size-segregated chemical composition.
Best for: Researchers studying atmospheric aerosols, climate forcing, and air quality who need GAW aerosol observation data.
Good for
- Serves as the data repository and archive for WMO GAW aerosol data.
- Defines long-term core observation parameters across physical, optical, chemical, column, and profile categories.
- Notes additional parameters recommended for long-term or intermittent observation.
Watch out for
- Observations are reported by GAW observatories on a voluntary basis.
- The extent of the observation programme varies between observatories.
World Data Center for Aerosols at a glance
- Website
- gaw-wdca.org
- Category
- Research & Data › Climate & Environmental Data
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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World Data Center for Aerosols FAQ
What does WDCA archive?
It archives microphysical, optical, and chemical properties of atmospheric aerosol for the WMO Global Atmosphere Watch programme.
Are observations reported by all GAW observatories in the same way?
No. The extent of the observation programme varies between observatories, and observations are reported on a voluntary basis.
What are the GAW aerosol long-term observation core parameter categories?
Physical, optical, chemical, column, and profile properties, with additional parameters recommended for long-term or intermittent observation.
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