The TAME project is committed to providing accurate and comprehensive data on greenhouse gas emissions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Our data collection efforts are centered around strategically located sites that enable us to monitor atmospheric concentrations of key greenhouse gases and other relevant tracers.
Overview of Data Collection Sites
The TAME project will establish a network of five "super-sites" throughout the GTA, complemented by an array of low-cost sensors distributed across the city. These sites are designed to capture a wide range of atmospheric data, including:
- Methane (CH₄) and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Primary greenhouse gases being monitored.
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): A criteria air contaminant that helps assess air quality and emissions from combustion sources.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): Another important tracer for understanding urban emissions.
- Fluorinated Gases: Potent greenhouse gases associated with heat pump technology.
Key Data Collection Sites
Site 1: Downtown Toronto
Location: Centrally located to capture emissions from high-density urban areas.
Focus: Monitoring traffic-related emissions and urban heat island effects.
Site 2: Industrial District
Location: Situated near major industrial activities.
Focus: Assessing emissions from industrial sources and their impact on local air quality
Site 3: Residential Areas
Location: In a mixed-income residential neighborhood.
Focus: Evaluating emissions from residential heating and cooking.
Site 4: Green Spaces
Location: Adjacent to parks and urban vegetation.
Focus: Monitoring the effects of greenery on CO₂ sequestration and air quality.
Site 5: Suburban Zone
Location: On the outskirts of the city, representing suburban emissions.
Focus: Understanding emissions from transportation and residential developments.
Additional Sensor Network
In addition to the super-sites, we will deploy a network of low-cost sensors throughout various neighborhoods in the GTA. These sensors will provide supplementary data on:
- Local air quality variations
- Emissions from specific sources such as vehicles, heating systems, and industrial activities
- Temporal changes in atmospheric conditions