BrainMap

Camelia Talianu

Dr

Senior researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Researcher

Curriculum Vitae (09/04/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Advanced Research on Convective Clouds using Remote Sensing Instruments from New Exploratory Platforms Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1938 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); Academia Fortelor Aeriene "Henri Coanda" Brasov (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://accuresy.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

The ACCuReSy project (Advanced Research on Convective Clouds using Remote Sensing Instruments from new Exploratory Platforms) aims to perform advanced research of the atmospheric environment before, during and after the convective events in order to investigate the aerosol-cloud interactions with special attention on the factors that contribute to the hail formation. The novelty of this proposal resides in the top-class ground-based infrastructures that will be used to accomplish the goals of the project. Two research team will be involved in this project: Remote Sensing Department of INOE and Aviation Department of “Henri Coanda” Air Force Academy, both relying on state-of-the-art facilities with radar systems operating on various frequencies, meteorological sensors and sondes, and UAVs.

The project will be implemented in two locations, Măgurele and Brașov, chosen by their relevance for the environmental factors that meet the conditions for various type of convective development. Intensive campaigns will be performed during the convective seasons of 2022 and 2023 in order to build a consistent convective database to be analysed later. During the implementation of the project intervention squads will be organized to proceed for a rapid displacement into the areas where the convective development are ongoing for on-site documentation, launching the probes in the unstable environment, and if possible to collect samples (i.e. hail stones). Physico-chemical analyses will be performed on hydrometeor samples investigate the content of suspended particles in the convective environment.

Overall, with this project we aim to produce new insight to the way aerosols affect convective storm and to open ways for implementation these details for a better prediction of convective storms and also to improve the cal/val techniques for the EO satellite missions dedicated to cloud observations.

Assessment of the relationship between Biomass Burning typology and the Aerosol intensive optical properties from LIDAR measurements during smoke transport Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-1816 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/255/about-abba

Abstract:

Poor air quality is a major societal concern, but development of proper policies is hampered by lack of high-quality data to support decision making. The aim of this project is the development of machine learning tools based on the analysis of remote sensing data. Specifically, the project will improve lidar (light detection and ranging) automatic classification algorithms for aerosol type by allowing the identification of biomass burning (BB) smoke from different vegetation types (different smoke typology). In previous work of the principal investigator, it was shown that smoke from different regions produced different optical properties. This outcome encouraged us to develop a more detailed analysis considering the BB by vegetation type. During the project, the smoke intensive optical properties (IOPs) measured by lidar (e.g. particle depolarization ratio and Ångström exponents) will be correlated to smoke typology allowing the development of better models for aerosol prediction. The analysis will be based on the long timeseries (2008-2018) of lidar measurements at INOE and exiting state-of-the-art algorithms that INOE developed in the framework of the European Infrastructure ACTRIS. The main steps of the methodology are the following:

-Reprocess the lidar data using Single Calculus Chain from EARLINET

-Identify the BB location which contributed to the smoke measurements using HYSPLIT backtrajectory and FIRMS database

-Collect the land cover data from satellites for the regions identified for fires

-Employ the cluster analysis in order to group the fires into homogenized areas from vegetation type point of view; for each cluster, estimate the land cover index

-Assess the quantification between BB typology and IOPs

The project is fully aligned with Romanian Smart Specialization Strategy, bringing INOE’s classification algorithm to a higher TRL, allowing it to be tested by INOE’s industrial partners.

Aerosol climatology - from remote sensing measurements to deep learning Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-2278 2020 - 2022

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/254/clara

Abstract:

The goal of the project is to develop an advanced aerosol climatology for Romania, starting from a pilot region centered on Bucharest area, covering the full period (2010 – present) of aerosol remote sensing and in-situ measurements from Romanian Atmospheric Research 3D Observatory (RADO), Bucharest-Magurele, using an expert analysis complemented with state-of-the-art deep learning techniques. The RADO measurements for this area will be supplemented by satellite measurements and improved modelling results.

The project is a collaboration of the National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics (INOE), Remote Sensing Department, and the Politehnica University of Bucharest (UPB), SpeeD Research Laboratory.

In the proposed project, the PT-PCCA-2013-4-1798 project MOBBE (“Computational Model for Prediction of the Biomass Burning Emissions and their Impact”) concept will be improved, extended to the most common tropospheric aerosols and complemented with a machine learning analysis. The project proposes innovative concepts, including synergistic expert analysis and deep learning techniques, fulfilling also the Romanian Smart Specialization Strategy on Analysis, Management and Security of Big Data. Extending the biomass burning aerosol climatology to all tropospheric aerosols, the project will improve significantly the characterization of aerosols and their impact on climate, air quality and cloud-precipitation processes, moving from experimental level (MOBBE) to a higher technological maturity level (validated technology in the laboratory). The validated results will be made available for use in other studies of the impact of aerosols on climate. The project outcomes will also contribute conceptually to the Copernicus effort to assimilate the ground-based remote-sensing measurements in Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

East European Centre for Atmospheric Remote Sensing Call name:
H2020-TWINN-2015/H2020-TWINN-2015, G.A. 692014 2016 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); MAX PLANCK GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V. (MPI-M) (RO); DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUER LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV (DLR) (RO); NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ATHENS (NOA) (RO); CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (CNR) (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://ecars.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

ECARS addresses the challenges of the Twinning programme by tackling deficiencies and networking gaps between

INOE, a very dynamic research institution in Romania, and internationally-leading counterparts at EU level. The

activity will strengthen the excellence of INOE Center for atmospheric remote sensing and will stimulate high-level

environmental and climate research, conform to Romanian Smart Specialization Strategy. This will be achieved by

consolidating INOE’s links with four highly esteemed research institutions, each one having high-level expertise in

specific areas: MPI-M (ground-based remote sensing), DLR (airborne remote sensing), NOA (satellite remote sensing)

and CNR-IMAA (data exploitation). The coordination and support actions address specific areas of atmospheric

remote sensing where the expertise of INOE will be strengthen, increasing its innovation capacity and research profile.

The focus is on cutting edge passive and active remote sensing technologies, good practices and data synergy, leading

to better data exploitation for environmental and climate research. Transfer of know-how is performed in a larger

context of training through research, with ECARS complementing undergoing projects in HORIZON2020 and ESA

Earth Observation programs. ECARS' goal is to create a collaborative framework around INOE for sharing specialized

knowledge, brainstorming for new ideas and elaborating scientific publications. Measures to maximize the impact

involve short-term staff exchanges and on-site training, expert visits, virtual training, technical workshops, summer

schools, webinars and outreach activities. ECARS is envisaged to increase by 50% the annual number of scientific

papers published by INOE, and the impact factor by 25%. Knowledge will be further spread through national Master

and PhD programs, reinforcing the atmospheric remote sensing activities in Romania and enhancing the related S&T

capacities.ECARS is supported by WMO-GAW, GEO, ACTRIS and ESA/ESTEC.

Aerosols, Clouds and Trace gases Preparatory Phase Project Call name:
PN-III-P3-3.6-H2020-2016-0058, 07/2017 2017 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/196/about-roactris-ppp

Abstract:

ACTRIS PPP support project is financed by UEFISCDI under "Rewarding participation in Horizon 2020" call for proposals.

This project is awarded as a result of implementing a project funded by the European Commission (EC) - Horizon 2020.

The Research Infrastructure (RI) ACTRIS – Aerosols, Clouds and Trace Gases - is the pan-European RI that consolidates activities amongst European partners for observations of aerosols, clouds, and trace gases and for understanding of the related atmospheric processes, to provide RI services to wide user groups.

ACTRIS is composed of 8 connected elements: distributed National Facilities (observation platforms and exploratory platforms) both in Europe and globally, and 7 Central Facilities (Head Office, Data Centre and 5 Calibration Centres).

ACTRIS provides access to its facilities, open-access data, research support, instrument calibration and development, and training to various user groups.

The main objective of ACTRIS PPP support project is to capitalize the competencies and research potential of INOE (RADO)team by strengthening international collaborations and disseminating the results of ACTRIS PPP project, and not only, during national and international scientific events.

This project activities have the role to increase the number of potential partners in order to participate in future Horizon 2020 projects, but also in other research projects.

ACTRIS-2 - Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research Infrastructure Network Call name:
INFRAIA-1-2014-2015 no. 654109 2015 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

Project partners: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: https://www.actris.eu/

Abstract:

The ACTRIS-2 Integrating Activities (IA) addresses the scope of integrating state-of-the-art European ground-based stations for long-term observations of aerosols, clouds and short lived gases. It consolidates and improves services offered within FP7 funded Integrated Infrastructures Initiative ACTRIS (2011-2015). ACTRIS-2 takes up the overarching objectives of ACTRIS to further integrate the European ground-based stations and to construct a user-oriented RI, unique in the EU-RI landscape, for aerosols, clouds, and short-lived gas-phase species.

Aerosols – Remote Sensing and Transport Modelling Call name:
Lise-Meitner FWF M-2031-N29 2016 - 2018

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria

Project partners: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria (RO)

Affiliation: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Institute of Meteorology and Climatology, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The project proposed a new research approach for aerosol characterization, integrating high resolution vertical profiles obtained from lidar measurements, extending from ground level to the free troposphere, with profiles from satellite measurements with lower resolution on altitude, but covering a larger area and transport modelling (FLEXPART).

Centre for Atmospheric REmote Sensing and Space Earth observation Call name:
Project no.55/2013 STAR program 2013 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://environment.inoe.ro/article/130/about-caresse

Abstract:

CARESSE represents an initiative to concentrate and organize existing capacities for atmospheric remote sensing in Romania, in order to become a relevant and competent partner for ESA’s EO missions. CARESSE relies on RADO – the Romanian Atmospheric 3D research Observatory (through its coordinator, INOE) and its strategic (national and international) partners to:

(A) create a sustainable high-quality research and training nucleus for atmospheric remote sensing in view of future EO missions;

(B) develope and organize existing scientific and technological capacities for space-related applications of atmospheric remote sensing;

(C) prepare to fulfill the specific requirements of ESA, and strengthen international collaboration.

The team has a significant expertise in ground-based remote sensing, excellent networking connections, and operates state-of-the-art research instruments, unique in SE Europe. Data provided by the lidars, sun photometers, microwave radiometer, and C-ToF AMS are used by ground-based networks (EARLINET, AERONET, MWRNET, ACTRIS), but also for satellite CAL/VALs (e.g. CALIPSO-EARLINET CAL/VAL program). CARESSE intends to solve the weaknesses identified by the SWOT analysis, and promote the super site at INOE as a nucleus for high-quality research and training on atmospheric remote sensing.

Science Centers Network Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1095 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE FIZICA ATOMICA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE FIZICA ATOMICA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA LASERILOR, PLASMEI SI RADIATIEI - INFLPR RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); P.M. CONCEPT CONSULTING SRL (RO); SIVECO ROMANIA SA (RO); MEDNET RESEARCH SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http:// www.scinet.ro

Abstract:

Education and research represents the means by which a society have to build knowledge which will lead to prosperity, sustainability and personal development for every citizen.

In the current period, as shown in international studies there are some concerns relating to poor performance of students in basic skills. To understand the importance of good science education, we should think how science contribute to our everyday lives. The benefits and results from a scientist's work have an impact on our daily activities.It is confirmed that hands-on practicals in laboratories, visits outside school and non-formal learning environments are the most enjoyable aspects of studying the sciences. It is often argued that practical work is central to teaching and learning in science and that good quality practical work helps develop pupils’ understanding of scientific processes and concepts.

Generally, science centers aim is to connect the general public to science, giving them the opportunity to explore scientific and technical worlds and ask questions. There are many roles that can be assigned to a science center from firsthand experience to encouraging curiosity. Practical work undertaken inside the Science Centers like hand-on experiments, demonstrations and more other alike activities are important ingredients in learning science and in the same time can increase students sense of ownership and motivation. This experiential learning under scientists guiding will lead for sure to a comprehensive practical knowledge of learners.

The present project proposal focuses on creating an innovative model for out of school science learning combined with an interactive digital platform - eScience Center. This goal will be accomplished by developing the Science Center Network SCINET which will gather four major physics institutes (IFA, INOE, INFLPR, IFIN HH) and three companies (PMCC, SIVECO Romania, MEDNET RESEARCH). The three main objectives that will lead to SCINET existence are: Creation, organization and operationalization of SCINET; Development of creative and experiential capacities of highschool students to stimulate the interest in scientific research and innovation by creating two models (I model - Innovative Model for Science Learning INSCI; II model - Digital platform eScience Center); Promote the role of science among highschool students, transnational cooperation, exchange of experience and knowledge, network joining in order to increase visibility and to ensure long-term sustainability.

Fulfilling all these objectives will contribute to bridge the gap between formal and non-formal education and will promote science learning at pre-university level.

Unlike many other countries, Romania don't have a Science Center Network, SCINET being the first Science Center Network in Romania. Considering this, the two innovative models (INSCI and eScience Center) that will be created, tested and implemented represent a major need for the network to operate in a professional manner and to have the expected results.

SCINET will be a cooperative structure where partners will contribute with their respective strengths, at the same time receiving incentives for their own activities. The network will have an important role for today's world science and maybe to lay the fondation for future science careers.

The two models and their success criteria: The project will contribute directly, at national level, to the design and development educational models: I model (off campus) - Innovative Model for Nonformal Science Learning InSci and II model (online model) eScience Center - associated to science centers activities. At European level, the project will provide an inside view on the set-up and running of several science centers grown in connection to some major research institutes and, in the mean time, will offer information on the implementation of a national network of science centers.

Computational Model for Prediction of the Biomass Burning Emissions and their Impact Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1798 2014 - 2016

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE AEROSPATIALA "ELIE CARAFOLI" - I.N.C.A.S. BUCURESTI (RO); ADMINISTRATIA NATIONALA DE METEOROLOGIE RA (RO); ENVIROSCOPY SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://mobbe.inoe.ro

Abstract:

The pollution from biomass burning (including wildfires) combined with urban pollution from human activities, the main sources of primary aerosols (fine particles, respirable), can have a significant impact on human health and on climate at local, regional and global scale, through the emissions of high concentrations of aerosol particles containing organic and inorganic matter and black carbon. 40% of the global emission of black carbon comes from biomass burning. The aerosols emitted can became condensation nuclei in the process of cloud formation influencing cloud radiative properties. As of now, cloud formation processes and the influence of aerosols are not fully understood and lead therefore to significant uncertainties in weather forecasts and climate change scenarios.

The purpose of the project MOBBE (Computational Model for Prediction of the Biomass Burning Emissions and their Impact) is to quantify and to predict the effects of the aerosols from biomass burning and their impact on two major environmental issues: (a) air quality and (b) climate and meteorology at local, regional and global scale. The project aims to investigate the potential sources and the properties of aerosols from biomass burning, urban aerosols and long-range transport aerosols over Romania performing a first research case study in the Bucharest area, using improved inversion algorithms. The results (a new parametrization scheme of the physical processes of the biomass burning aerosols, sources and properties) will be implemented during the project in the FLEXPART aerosol dispersion model based on the Lagrangean particle dispersion mechanism. As meteorological input data, the model will use new data from COSMO model. Anthropogenic and natural emissions of biomass burning will be compared with the daily analysis and the fine mode aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm provided by the radio-spectrometer MODIS launched by NASA on the Aqua and Terra satellites, MAAC II, and with an independent dataset of AOD from the AERONET network. All the above information will be integrated in a “MOBBE Web Tool”.

The project will improve significantly the quantification of the present and future impact of biomass-burning emissions on the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere. This project will also provide relevant information concerning the aerosols radiative contribution in the context of climate change at global level. The data will be integrated in the ACTRIS-EBAS database.

The MOBBE research project is an interdisciplinary environmental research infrastructure based on continuous measurements, two intensive experimental field campaigns (summer and winter campaign) and eight flight hours of a research aircraft, that integrates in-situ monitors, ground-based and airborne observations, with a detailed analysis of satellite data and numerical modeling results. The satellite data are provided by the MODIS instruments from the satellites Terra and Aqua, by the Caliop lidar from the satellite CALIPSO and by EUMETCast.

MOBBE is a national consortium of two national institutes of research, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics (CO-RADO) and National Institute for Aerospace Research “Elie Carafoli” (P1-INCAS), the National Meteorological Administration (P2-NMA) and a service provider and instruments manufacturing company related to environmental monitoring (P3-ESYRO). All partners will join their expertise, infrastructure and efforts in order to develop an innovative methodology and a new powerful modelling tool “MOBBE Web Tool” for air monitoring, available for atmospheric and environmental research groups, as well as for environmental agencies, urban air quality agencies, industries, and decision makers.

Neural network Aerosol Typing Algorithm based on LIdar data Call name:
ESA 4000110671/14/I-LG 2014 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://NATALI.INOE.RO

Abstract:

NATALI - Neural network Aerosol Typing Algorithm based on LIdar data aims to intensify the participation of the Romanian scientific community to the "ESA contributing missions" through the development of new tools for aerosol typing based on optical (active) remote sensing data. These products are relevant for several satellite missions, as detailed in Section 6, and have multiple applications for Earth Observation Envelope Programme (EOEP-4). Moreover, they will foster a wider use of the satellite services in fields like air quality, climate change, atmospheric research, and aviation safety.

Initial Training for Atmospheric Remote Sensing Call name:
▪ FP7-PEOPLE-2011-ITN no. 289923 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: University of Cologne, Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology

Project partners: University of Cologne, Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); Max-Planck-Institute for Meteorology (RO); National Technical University of Athens (RO); Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech (RO); University of Reading (RO); University of Potsdam, Institute of Mathematics (RO)

Affiliation: University of Cologne, Institute of Geophysics & Meteorology (RO)

Project website: http://itars.uni-koeln.de/static/

Abstract:

ITaRS (Initial Training for Atmospheric Remote Sensing) brings together a group of universities, research organisations and high-tech companies from different disciplines (meteorology, geosciences, physics, electrical engineering, mathematics) with the aim to foster training and further development in the area of remote sensing of the atmosphere.

Combined use of LIdar - RAdar for the evaluation of phenomena associated with cloud seeding for efficient prevention of hail Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2074 2014 - 2016

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: ENVIROSCOPY SRL

Project partners: ENVIROSCOPY SRL (RO); ELECTROMECANICA PLOIESTI S.A. (RO); ADMINISTRATIA NATIONALA DE METEOROLOGIE RA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://lira.inoe.ro

Abstract:

Hail events represent an important natural disaster associated with great economic losses, especially in agriculture. The most vulnerable regions in Romania are in Central – South, where there is a large probability that convective clouds are formed. Although hailstorms affect crop yield and/or quality dramatically, 40% of the total agricultural land is not protected against hail.

Anti-hail rockets program is based on dispersing pyrotechnical mixtures of silver-iodide. They act as condensation nuclei, creating a large number of small hail particles which melt and fall in form of drops. Nevertheless, it is extremely difficult to validate the effect of the seeding, due to superposition of strong natural atmospheric variations.

By combining different remote sensing instruments, a much better estimation of the microphysical cloud properties can be made, including the efficiency of the AgI dispersion and hail crystals modification.

The main goal of LIRA's project is to investigate cloud transformations as consequence of seeding, and determine best operational procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce side effects in case of hail suppression, using a smart combination of remote sensing techniques (passive and active): lidar, radar, microwave radiometry, satellite imagery. LIRA aims at: a) Design of an experimental model using radar, lidar and microwave radiometry to monitor ice formation inside clouds, before, during and after cloud seeding; b) Identification of application-driven suitable parameters for efficient cloud seeding, based on modeled and experimental data; c) Increasing visibility, protecting intellectual rights.

This project brings together research, operational and economical institutions to produce new knowledge and introduce new techniques and methods for early warning of the hailfall, objective selection of the seeding parameters and quantitative assessment of the intervention's efficiency. Our approach is to actually measure inside the cloud. We will use the synergy between radar, lidar and microwave radiometer, but we add the depolarization capability of the lidar, which will permit, by combination with radar, to monitor remotely the changes in the ice / liquid water content of the cloud. We will visualize the dispersion of the seeding agent inside the volume before activation, to look for correlations between seeding parameters (target location, rocket speed, time of spreading the agent, etc.) and efficiency in suppressing hail. Original work will be done for the design and upgrade of the depolarization lidar, but also for the development of data processing and analysis algorithms. The possibility of forecasting hail based on EUMETCAST data will also be analyzed. Several algorithms will be improved by direct validation with measurements (retrieval of wind speed from radar - validation with sodar, cloud height from EUMETCAST - validation from lidar, cloud particle depolarization from lidar - intervalidation with radar). Moreover, we will put our knowledge at the service of the society, by transferring experimental techniques to operational procedures.

Apart from the scientific knowledge which will be achieved during the experiment (subject of 6 communications at prestigious international conferences and 4 ISI papers), LIRA intends to elaborate 1 patent, related to the algorithm for combining radar and lidar data in order to extract the 3D map of the mixed clouds.

By combination of techniques, expertise and knowledge, LIRA will bring weather modification from empirically accepted to scientifically proved. Several noticeable results are envisaged: >>elaboration of a new technology to dynamically monitor cloud seeding effects; >>advances in understanding physical phenomena associated to cloud seeding; >>development of an experimental method for the objective assessment of cloud seeding efficiency; >>identification of opportunities to extend the methodology from hail suppression to rainfall generation.

Clouds and Aerosols Profiling in support of ESA’s Sentinel 4 and 5 missions Call name:
ROSA-STAR Program 38/2012 2012 - 2015

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://capesa.inoe.ro

Abstract:

The main goal of the project is to intensify the participation of the Romanian scientific community to the "ESA contributing missions" through the development and intensification of the Atmospheric Remote Sensing (ARS) research activities.

Demonstration of lidar based clear air turbulence detection Call name:
FP7-AAT-2008-RTD-1,Project no.233801 2009 - 2012

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: THALES Avionics

Project partners: THALES Avionics (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: THALES Avionics (RO)

Project website: http://www.delicat.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

The objective of DELICAT is to validate the concept of LIDAR based medium range turbulence detection, allowing efficient protection of the passengers and crew by actions such as seat belts fasten. The validation will be based on the comparison of the information on a turbulent atmospheric area, provided on one side by the remote LIDAR sensor and on the other side by the aircraft sensors (acceleration, air speed, temperature).

Developing the emerging research potential of Romanian Lidar Centre Call name:
FP7-REGPOT-2008-1, project no.229907 2009 - 2012

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://delice.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

Romanian Atmospheric Research 3D Observatory Call name:
Norwegian Cooperation Programme Project no.115266 2009 - 2011

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); NILU – Norwegian Institute for Air Research (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://rado.inoe.ro

Abstract:

The Romanian Atmospheric 3D research Observatory–RADO is a distributed atmospheric research infrastructure based on the voluntary association of several research institutes and universities in Romania. Its main function is to perform experimental and theoretical research for atmospheric composition and air quality assessment, including impact on climate and climate variability.

Romanian Lidar Network Call name:
PNCDI II Contract 31002/2007 2007 - 2010

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO); ADMINISTRATIA NATIONALA DE METEOROLOGIE RA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA TIMIŞOARA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "ALEXANDRU IOAN CUZA" IASI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); ENVIROSCOPY SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website: http://rolinet.inoe.ro/

Abstract:

The envisaged Romanian Lidar Network represents an initiative of the consortium to concentrate all available resources and to exploit new opportunities in order to establish a well-equipped, well-trained and well-recognised network for environmental researchbased on lidar technologies. The mission of this network is not only to operate within European anf global networks of the same type, but to act as nuclei for a possible lidar network in SE Europe.

Intelligent System for confguration of the LIdar type installations –virtual LIDAR Call name:
INFOSOC 66/2002 2002 - 2004

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU OPTOELECTRONICA INOE 2000 INCD (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The goal of the project was to develop a simulator of Lidar (LIDAR virtual), allowing the user to test different configurations, till it's obtaining the optimal one, and to visualize the results as would be obtained by using a real system. The project methodology describes the main functions and components of a software application which is simulating LIDAR measurements. The application contains the most up-to-date mathematical models.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects