The ATLAS-MOHAMMED V Atmospheric Research Station (ATLASM5) is operated by Mohammed V University (UM5) Rabat, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS-ICARE, Orléans) and Orléans University. It is a facility that has been continuously monitoring and collecting data related to atmospheric chemical composition since July 2017. It is located about 19 km south from downtown of the Ifrane at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level in a remote area with minimal influence of human activity which makes it ideal for monitoring constituents in the atmosphere that can cause climate change and alter air quality.
Mission
- To monitor long-term trends of atmospheric composition change, air pollution and climate variables
- To promote knowledge transfer and education in the areas of atmospheric, air pollution and climate sciences
- To support policy development
Location
- Country: Morocco
- Latitude: 33.406152° North
- Longitude: -5.103319 West
- Elevation: 2000 meters
- Time Zone: Morocco Standard Time is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Ifrane is located at an altitude of 1660 meters above sea level in the Middle Atlas region, about 65 km from both Fes and Meknes cities. Ifrane is a European styled town and is often referred to as “Morocco’s Switzerland.” It is surrounded by cedar forests, and pastureland that comes to life in spring and winter is a sharp contrast to the hot and dry climate that surrounds it.
The Atlas-Mohammed V Atmospheric Research Station (GPS coordinates :33.406152, -5.103319) is situated in Michlifen, about 19 km south from downtown of the Ifrane city and is located at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level in a remote area.
Atlas-Mohammed V Facility location on the map: