The atmosphere is changing and the potential consequences for the "System Earth" are manifold. Dynamics, chemistry, and radiation determine its state and because all are coupled with each other via various mechanisms it is often difficult to identify a direct link between causes and consequences. A better understanding of this system requires integral, continuous, precise, long term and global observations. In order to contribute to this effort of improved understanding, the World Data Center for Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere (WDC-RSAT) was established. ... more