Calibration of the Cimel sun-photometers of the AERONET stations in Tamanrasset (Algeria) and Tunis (Tunisia)

From 19 to 23 October 2015 the annual maintenance and SUN and SKY calibration of the Cimels sun-photometers installed at Tamanrasset_INM and Tunis_Carthage stations (AERONET–PHOTONS–RIMA network) have been performed at the Izaña Atmospheric Observatory (IARC–AEMET). This activity has been developed as a contribution to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS). This mission is also part of the Izaña’s activities as WMO-CIMO Testbed for Aerosols and Water Vapor Remote Sensing Instruments.

Furthermore, Mr Lahouari Zeudmi and Mr. Mohamed Kharef (Office National de la Météorologie-Tamanrasset station), and Mr. Souhayel Belhouane and Mr. Hichem Fehri (Institut National de la Météorologie de Tunisie -Tunis_Carthage station) attended to a 20-hour training course on Cimel sun-photometer operation given by Dr. Carmen Guirado Fuentes and Mr. Ramón Ramos, under the supervision of Dr. Emilio Cuevas.

From left to right in the left picture: Hichem Fehri, Souhayel Belhouane, Lahouari Zeudmi, and Mohamed Kharef during their visit to the Izaña Atmospheric Research Center facilities

On 25 October, the calibrated Cimel sun photometer was installed again at Tamanrasset station. Information on the station, the principle researchers and the site manager for the station can be found here. Near-real data can be accessed here.
On 27 October, the calibrated Cimel sun photometer was installed again at Tunis_Carthage station. Information on the station, the principle researchers and the site manager for the station can be found here. Near-real data can be accessed here.