In the prosecution of its mission, IM is responsible for weather, seismic and climate watch and climate change monitoring using national data from its observation network and data received through specialized telecommunications systems from the global network. IM prepares and disseminates products and delivers services in its field of activity.

In Portugal, seismic monitoring is performed through the use of the seismic network, analogical and digital, located in the mainland north to south and also in the Islands of Azores and Madeira.

In Portugal mainland and Madeira there are 14 digital seismological stations of short period and 3 broad band digital stations (with data transmission by satellite and by phone line), and also 3 analogical stations (transmission via radio), located in the Lisbon area.

In the field of geomagnetism, annual studies to study secular variation are performed, namely for determining magnetic declination in all airports and airdromes in the country.

At national level, IM develops its activity in this field, through cooperation with other government departments, participating in committees and working groups in projects.
At an international level, IM participates in actions that are a benefit to fulfilling IM’s duties and liabilities in several conventions and international agreements.
IM renders services in the field of climate and climate application, more specifically:

• Agrometeorology
• Bioclimatology

The study and monitoring of climate and its variability as well as its impacts, are of extreme importance. In this domain, Portuguese representation, through IM is assured in several programmes and meetings of the UN, regarding:

• World Meteorological Organization’s convention
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

IM develops an immense number of actions in the field of meteorological observation and atmospheric monitoring, in order to fulfil the international programmes established for observing systems.

Such programmes follow national and international rules and procedures, which are a part of IM’s commitments as the national responsible entity, as well as other commitments taken.