CIRES scientists use an extensive array of field equipment in geophysical, atmospheric, and cryospheric research. Global Positioning Receivers, initially used to study tectonic changes, have become common tools for other projects as well. Meteorological and climate studies require portable weather stations and associated computers. Atmospheric remote sensing equipment includes lidar, radar (at various frequencies), and the sound equivalent, sodar. And an effort is in progress to develop and utilize instrumented kites for probing the tropospheric structure and chemical composition of the atmosphere.

	As understanding of the chemistry of the atmosphere has improved, the need to measure the emission of trace chemicals from soils has arisen. Chambers such as this one, located in forest soil near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, are used to detect minute fluxes of species such as nitric oxide associated with microbial activity in the soil.
	The Sondre Stromfjord radar site in Greenland provides remote sensing data for the upper atmosphere. CIRES researchers at the NOAA Aeronomy Lab use instruments at Sondrestom to study ozone in the Arctic stratosphere and troposphere.
	NOAA, NCAR, and NASA research aircraft, like this ER-2 over San Francisco Bay, are used for airborne experiments in studies of atmospheric chemistry, clouds, and weather, such as sampling for particulates in the atmosphere and chemical composition of natural and man-made pollutants.

Gathering atmospheric dynamics data using KITES in the field. Near McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Preparing for an ozonesonde launch.

Point Arenas, California. Site of a sensor station used in a CIRES study of marine air chemistry.

Solomon Islands. RV Vickers research vessel during TOGA-COARE mission to study atmospheric dynamics in the South Pacific.

Scientific Instruments
The wide range of research programs within CIRES also requires an extensive variety of scientific instruments. Mass spectrometry, liquid and gas chromatography, very-low-pressure catalysis and supersonic fluorescent gas chromatography studies are routinely carried out at CIRES with state-of-the-art instrumentation. The institute operates a high-resolution tandem mass spectrometer as well as quadrupole and isotope ratio mass spectrometers. The rock mechanics laboratory provides a laser interferometric capability for measuring deformations to one part in several million. Geochemistry laboratories include clean-room capabilities for isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. The Integrated Instrument Development Facility is also on site to facilitate design and construction of custom equipment.