ICOS is a European infrastructure with ERIC status, registered on ESFRI roadmap. At French level, ICOS-France is also a TGIR (Very Large Research Infrastructure), labeled by MENESR. The ICOS-atmosphere part (also called RAMCES) also has labeling as SNO. The scientific objective of ICOS is the description of biogeochemical cycles of the main additional greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O, SF6) and quantification of carbon balances on a regional scale. Concerning atmospheric compartment ICOS aims at long-term monitoring of atmospheric concentrations of additional greenhouse gases. These measurements will make it possible to quantify +9surface emissions on a national and regional scale, by inverse modeling of atmospheric transport.

Location of sites: SNO-ICOS-Atmosphere comprises nine stations in mainland France, including five tall towers (Trainou, Saclay, OPE/ANDRA, OHP, Roch-Tredudon), two assembly stations (Puy-de-Dôme , Pic du Midi), and two coastal resorts (Ersa, Biscarrosse).

This network is completed by 3 stations in overseas territories (Ile Amsterdam, OPAR, Guyaflux), two European stations (Mace Head, Finokalia) and two tropical stations (Lamto, Chacaltaya).

Parameters measured: CO2, CH4, N2O, SF6, H2, CO, Radon-222, 13C and 18O isotopes of CO2.

Database: https://ramces.lsce.ipsl.fr/ https://icos-atc-demo.lsce.ipsl.fr/ https://ghg-europe.lsce.ipsl.fr/ http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/globalview/co2/co2_intro.html

Networking: ICOS, GAW/WMO