Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
FP5
Fifth Framework Programme (1998-2002) - European
Commission
GAW
Global Atmospheric Watch
HIMONTONET
Joining of Beo Centre of Excellence to European Network
of High Mountain Observatories
IHY
International Heliophysical Year
ISO
International Organization for Standardization
NIMH
National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology
OM2
French-Bulgarian integrated project for monitoring and
management of high mountain ecosystems
SEVAN
Space Environmental Viewing and Analysis Network
UFS
Umwelt Forschungsstation Schneefernerhaus
11.1 Introduction
Mountain environment as a field for climate studies and recently for climate change
has become a global issue. The first high-mountain research station in Europe - the
High Alpine Research Station Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps, was set up in 1932,
which laid a foundation for a chain of similar research stations.
The peak Moussala is the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula - 2,925.4 m
height a.s.l. (42 10 45 N, 23 35 07 E). It is remote from industrial and vehicle
pollution. Peak Moussala is reached by the Mediterranean and the continental air
masses because of its dominant geographical position over a vast area. Therefore
it gives prospects for complex and comparative research of the impact of multiple
influences.
BEOMoussala (Stamenov et al., 2007 ) was built as a facility with modern infras-
tructure and with all basic appliances for scientific investigation. Local and long
range air transport (fine and ultrafine aerosols, coarse particles and gas pollutants),
gamma background, climate change and cosmic rays - all this phenomena are mon-
itored. Data for 38 substantial atmospheric and space parameters are stored in a
database for retrospective analyses and modelling.
The real-time data are provided via the local measurement system and the
telecommunication system to the database.
11.1.1 Climate Notes
The peak Moussala is the coldest place in Bulgaria (Mikhnevsky, 1997 ). The pos-
itive average temperatures take place about 4 months annually. The average wind
speed is one of the highest in Bulgaria. The absolute humidity is very low but the
relative humidity is high (Table 11.1 ).
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