Brief history

2009 - 2010
2009 - 2010

Project start

Scientists in Germany and Brazil developed the idea for the project. Together, they wrote a funding proposal that was granted in the summer of 2010.

2009 - 2010
rainforest surrounding ATTO
2009 - 2010

Pioneering

As a first important step in realizing this massive undertaking, the team needed to find an appropriate location for the research site. In a second step, the site and access to it were developed.

in 2010
in 2010

Pilot measurements

An 81 m high guyed triangular mast was built for pilot measurements. Meanwhile, it is used for a variety of aerosol measurements.

2011 - 2012
ATTO camp for scientists and technicians
2011 - 2012

Camp building

Construction of the camp at the ATTO plateau. It contains dormitories with accommodation capacity in hammocks for up to 30 people, bathrooms and cafeteria.

2011 - 2012
80 m walk-up tower and mast
2011 - 2012

80 m tower

An 80 m high guyed, walk-up scaffold tower was built, with outboard platforms on five heights on which trace-gas and meteorological measurements are currently performed.

2011-2012
Containers arriving at ATTO
2011-2012

Containers

Construction and equipment of air-conditioned laboratory containers at the base of the 80/81 m towers measuring towers.

since 2011
since 2011

Continuous measurements

Continuous and campaign-based measurements since 2011 (carbon dioxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen-containing trace gases, aerosols, meteorology)

since 2013
since 2013

Connection

A satellite connection for data transmission and device control was established.

August 22, 2015
August 22, 2015

Tall Tower

Laying of the foundation stone of the 325 m high Tall Tower on August 15, 2014 and official inauguration on a year later.

since 2016
since 2016

Power

Implementation of a professional fail-safe generator-based electrical power supply.

since 2016
since 2016

More Containers

Construction and equipment of air-conditioned laboratory containers at the base of the tall tower.

2018 - 2019
2018 - 2019

Upgrades

2018 was the year for some upgrades to the site. The access road was re-done and a new safety rail and lift were installed at the tall tower.