An initiative of MeteoMet
Metrology for Meteorology
SUPPORTING QUALITY IN CLIMATE OBSERVATION
contact us at
crimcost@gmail.com
The Project
The Climate Reference Instruments and Measurements (Upper-air, Column and Near Surface) COST Action (CRIM) addresses the critical needs for traceable measurements to the International System of Units (SI) and robust uncertainty quantification in atmospheric and climate research
CRIM fosters collaboration and harmonization among researchers, institutions, and stakeholders across Europe, and beyond, to enhance the quality, reliability, and credibility of observational data in climate science.
The final aim is to improve confidence in detecting climate trends and predicting severe events.
Project background
CRIM identifies metrologically robust methods and quality assurance frameworks for selected key Essential Climate Variables (ECV), covering upper-air and near-surface observations of temperature, pressure, water vapour, wind, and precipitation. We built a cooperative hub for sharing ECV measurement expertise and its uses in climate studies and applications.
Main objectives
❖ Metrological traceability
❖ Uncertainty quantification
❖ Optimization and harmonization
❖ Capacity building and knowledge exchange
❖ Active engagement
Aims
CRIM aims to produce cutting-edge knowledge in climate science, developing a framework to generate high-quality climate observations with quantified uncertainties, demonstrating the value of a reference dataset for the global climate observations system. CRIM will significantly enhance the accuracy of measurements of baseline observing systems, weather and climate models, atmospheric reanalysis, and climate trend evaluation – key areas that inform public policy and economic decision-making.
Stakeholders from academia, government bodies, agencies, SMEs, and NGOs will be engaged to facilitate knowledge transfer at various levels. CRIM will actively promote the dissemination of best practices and guidelines in climate data measurement across Europe and internationally and contribute to the professional development of early-career researchers and climate scientists.
PUBLICATION
DELIVERABLES
STSM GRANT
CONFERENCE GRANT
TRAINING SCHOOL
WG1_Enhancing upper-air radiosonde and lidar measurements for climate study
Upper-air climate measurements, radiosondes, and temperature/water vapour lidar measurements. Uncertainty quantification in upper-air climate measurements is a key focus.
WG2_Metrology for near-surface climate reference sites
Standardisation of climate monitoring, based on the GSRN lesson, and fostering of new partnerships with national meteorological and hydrological services, improving the quality of scientific analysis and climate assessments.
WG3_Metrology for GNSS water vapour measurements and retrievals
Improve GNSS-PWV estimates and uncertainties. Benchmark GNSS processing types and determine uncertainties
WG4_Dissemination and Knowledge Transfer
Transversal to all WGs, valorize CRIM’s activities, coordinate dissemination and knowledge transfer to different audiences, support the development of early-career researchers and climate scientists, as well as interdisciplinary research.
What is COST?
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career, and innovation.
What is CRIM?
We are a Cost Action that aim at improving measurements of key Essential Climate Variable (ECV), covering upper-air and near-surface observations to ensure they are accurate and traceable to the International System of Units (SI). Helping to build confidence in identifying climate trends and predicting severe events.
TECHNICAL FOCUS
CAPACITY BUILDING
CRIM aims at providing metrological support to meteorological, hydrological and climate services as well as to research institutes, including national training and workshops. In regions without GSRN, GRUAN, or GNSS stations, CRIM will help position these nations to host and manage reference installations by ensuring they meet measurement prescriptions and requirements. To facilitate knowledge transfer from the metrology community to meteorology and climatology networks and services, manufacturers, end-users, research institutes and academia.
Mission and scientific objectives
CRIM’s enhanced measurements will improve early warning systems and help disaster risk management. Better tools will allow policymakers to make better-informed decisions based on robust climate data.
ACTION DETAILS
• MoU – 064/25
• CSO Approval date – 19/05/2025
• START DATE – 19/09/2025
• END DATE – 18/09/2029
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or name of the granting autority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
