Canadian Aerosol Baseline Measurement Program

The Canadian Aerosol Baseline Measurement (CABM) Program operates a network of stations that measure the properties of atmospheric aerosols. This observational program tracks long-term changes in aerosol concentration and composition over Canada.  Aerosols tend to influence the climate system through their impact on the radiative energy balance and the hydrological cycle. Changes in aerosol measurements are typically due to:

• Changes in emissions
• Changes in the long-range atmospheric transport within Canada and from other countries
• Changes in natural sources

CABM measurements help scientists understand the connections between aerosol chemical composition, aerosol radiative properties, cloud formation, and precipitation. These measurements are also used to validate regional and global climate models.

Data is available at the World Data Centre for Aerosols. Detailed technical information on the instrumentation, sampling methodologies, calibration and data quality is available by request.