About EOL

EOL Mission

The Earth Observing Laboratory (EOL) is NCAR’s end-to-end observational enterprise, dedicated to facilitating research of the Earth’s atmosphere. As one of NCAR’s seven laboratories, EOL leverages technology and expertise to take a leading role in observational research, field project support, and data collection.

EOL plays an important role in managing and deploying the majority NCAR’s Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) across projects of diverse scales and complexities. Our team deploys a range of instruments and observing facilities to support field campaigns, supporting researchers from universities, NCAR, and government agencies.   Additionally, EOL is committed to advancing research frontiers by incorporating new technologies into instrumentation.

At the heart of NSF's atmospheric research community, EOL serves as a hub for collecting observational data and disseminating knowledge on instrumentation, measurements, and scientific observations. EOL features a wide array of instruments and equipment, including radars, lidars, profilers, in-situ sensors, and airborne instrumentation, fostering collaborative analysis and furthering scientific understanding.

EOL Offers

• Scientific leadership & technical expertise
• Observational platforms & instrumentation
• Design & fabrication of specialized equipment
• Project management & operations support
• Data management & stewardship
• Education & outreach

Strategic Initiatives

EOL supports research progress across the NCAR enterprise and affiliated research institutions as a key data collection operational hub. With a budget of $40 million, and a staff of over 140 scientists, engineers, technicians, project managers, and administrative personnel, our goals are to leverage cutting-edge technology and tools across four key initiatives.

Development

EOL provides engineering, mechanical design, fabrication, and technical expertise at the highest levels of scientific analysis. We work with leading members of the scientific community to improve our measurement and analysis techniques.

Deployment

EOL has coordinated field programs for almost six decades. Our facilities and instruments continually drive progress in atmospheric research. 
 

Data Services

EOL collects and delivers data, maintains open information archives, and provides the tools and analysis necessary to interpret vast quantities of information.

Discovery

To foster and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, technicians, and researchers, EOL works with the community to present NCAR information and findings about Earth science. Our outreach initiatives include engagement programs for the public, internships and opportunities for students, and experiences that help to build interest in Earth system science.