ICOS-PT (Integrated Carbon Observation system- PT) is the Portuguese network for research and monitoring of Carbon and others greenhouse gases (GHGs) in terrestrial ecosystems, coordinated by CEF. The detailed, long period observation of GHG is a cornerstone in quantifying emissions, enhance our understanding of the carbon biogeochemical cycle and improve our ability to predict the impact of climate change in diverse ecosystems: protected natural areas, planted forests, crops or urban areas.

ICOS-PT measurements can greatly contribute to the optimization of process-based models and to the validation of other observations obtained by remote sensing. Data provided by ICOS-PT complement observations provided by other PORBIOTA domains supplying high quality long-term information on the environmental conditions laying behind observed ecological changes observed.

Currently, ICOS-PT experimental stations measure CO2, H2O and other GHG fluxes in cork-oak woodlands and grasslands, contributing to the evaluation of the sustainability of important economic activities, such as cork production. Another area of study is measuring the same fluxes in an urban environment close to an industrial area, assessing the impact of industry on air composition.

The methodology applied by ICOS-PT field experimental stations strictly follow protocols and standards indicated by ICOS ERIC (www.icos-ri.eu) the European Research Infrastructure aiming to quantify and understand the greenhouse gas balance in Europe and neighbouring regions.