Forum for Air Quality Modelling

FAIRMODE was launched in 2007 as a joint response initiative of the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). Its aim is to bring together air quality modellers and users to promote and support the harmonised use of models by EU European Union (European Union ) Member States, emphasising on model application under the European Air Quality Directives.

FAIRMODE is chaired by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission.

Goals

FAIRMODE aims to provide a European harmonised approach of model application under the European Air Quality Directives. It brings together air quality modellers and users. The FAIRMODE community also discusses the potential use of sensor data in modelling.

Network

The FAIRMODE network intends to support model users at all administrative levels (national, regional, urban and local) in their policy-related model applications. National experts are nominated by the Member States (MS) to participate in the FAIRMODE network. The network aims at establishing tools and mechanisms to enhance communication and promote good modelling practices among MS.

The network provides a framework for exchanging experience at all application levels, including electronic interfaces, databases and tools, workshops, seminars and common projects or activities.

Sensors

Sensor discussions within the FAIRMODE community

"Low-cost" sensors are very relevant for FAIRMODE, especially concerning methodologies to combine sensor networks with modelled data and official measurements. There is a need to elaborate on the role of the FAIRMODE community in developing and using sensors and help define what type of activities should be carried out to facilitate the use of sensor data for air quality mapping. The activities of the crosscutting task on sensors in FAIRMODE are closely related to this, i.e. discuss and understand the strengths and weaknesses of the different ways low-cost sensors can be used. This does not prevent FAIRMODE from providing indications of a long-term need for guidance and explaining what the scope of such guidance would be. Present experiences suggest important roles for data fusion/assimilation approaches, and possibly other techniques with similar scopes. The focus points for this activity are:

  1. Exchanging potential concepts and best practices about the integration of sensor network data in air quality mapping methods
  2. Exploring how air quality modelling can contribute to the exploitation and validation of an air quality sensor network

RIVM role

Based on the modelling and measurement expertise of RIVM, the Netherlands participates in all working groups and discussions regarding air quality modeling and assessment of model quality. Where necessary, the context is broadened to include all relevant aspects in the discussions. This contributes to more robust decision-making.

RIVM is currently chairing FAIRMODE Work Group 6 on Sensors and data fusion.  This working group focusses on intercomparison exercises for different calibration methods for sensors and different data fusion methods that combine sensors and model results. 

Relevant expertise

  • Air quality modelling
  • Sensor calibration
  • Data fusion of sensors and models
  • Model intercomparison

RIVM colleagues involved are:  Joost Wesseling, Dennis Mooibroek, Sjoerd van Ratingen.