The Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants and Carbon Cycle area has two lines, with continuous interactions between them.

The Effects of Atmospheric Pollutants line aims to study the levels of gaseous pollutants and atmospheric deposition in natural ecosystems, agricultural systems, evaluating the impacts and risks to vegetation. For this, measurements of concentrations and flows of pollutants are carried out, with special emphasis on ozone, and different types of modeling are applied. The ecosystem services provided by urban vegetation, such as temperature regulation, carbon sequestration and the reduction of atmospheric pollution, are also evaluated.

The Carbon Cycle line mainly investigates the dynamics of the carbon balance in Mediterranean ecosystems based on the systematic observation of CO2 and H2O exchanges using micro-meteorological methods. There are several flux stations, which meet the international standards of the ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) observation network. It also collaborates with groups that develop near-terrestrial remote sensing (tower), airborne remote sensing (drones), or remote sensing (satellites), contributing to the development of products based on ESA and NASA satellites. The activity has connections with European strategic observation networks such as ICOS and ACTRIS.

The area also has a component of technology transfer and technical support in relation to the measurements of atmospheric pollutants.