World-wide, scientists from various countries have joint forces in a large number of measurement campaigns to gather the necessary information for better understanding the chemistry of the atmosphere. Measurement campaigns have been carried out over the oceans, over tropical forests, including conditions of extensive forest and savannah burning, in the stratosphere, etc. Very little information is however available for the continental areas Eurasia.
  

In an unusual, but useful approach, the Max-Planck-Institute of Chemistry and the Institute for Atmospheric Physics (both in Mainz, GER) have started a series of expeditions using the unique platform of the Trans-Siberian Railroad. These TROICA expeditions prove to be very useful, because with modest financial means large land areas can be researched.
 

Coal, timber and water are among the other abundant resources of Siberia, examples being the forest area of about 2 x 10⁶ km² and the Baikal lake, which aloe holds 1/5 of the world fresh water reserves. The wetlands of West Siberia form a large source of atmospheric methane emissions. This source needs further research and quantification.

Consistent measurements of the trace gases and other atmospheric variables along the Trans-Siberian railroad and the river Ob, with concurrent meteorological observations would improve our understanding of processes causing their spatial and temporal variations in the lower troposphere.