Carbon Dioxide Monitoring
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most important atmospheric gases, and its concentration in the atmosphere has a large influence on climate change. Monitoring of atmospheric CO2 concentrations is a crucial component of global climate change research, and there are many existing methods of CO2 monitoring.
A few of the most commonly used methods of measuring atmospheric CO2 concentrations include the use of automated monitoring systems, in situ sensors, and remote sensing. Automated monitoring systems are used by meteorological stations and large scale research observatories to collect continuous readings of atmospheric CO2 concentrations. In situ sensors measure CO2 concentrations at specific locations and over a period of time. Remote sensing of CO2 concentrations is done with instruments on board aircraft, balloons, and satellites.
In addition to these methods of CO2 monitoring, there are also several programs dedicated specifically to the long-term monitoring of atmospheric CO2 concentrations across the globe. The Global Carbon Project organizes measurements from many different monitoring sites, taken in different countries, in order to create a global picture of the concentration of atmospheric CO2. The Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE) is a network of 15 automated observational sites across the world that measure CO2 concentrations on a continuous basis. These networks allow for the long-term tracking of global CO2 concentrations, which is an important part of climate change research.
To adequately monitor CO2 emissions, it is also important to understand the sources and sinks of CO2. Fossil fuel combustion is the primary source of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere, with the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas having the largest impacts. Carbon dioxide is also produced by natural sources, such as respiration, the decomposition of organic matter, the burning of biomass, and volcanic eruptions. In addition, CO2 concentrations are balanced by a number of sinks, such as the oceans, terrestrial vegetation, and soils.
Accurate measurements of the concentrations of atmospheric CO2 and the sources and sinks of CO2 are essential to understanding the impacts of climate change and developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Long-term monitoring of CO2 concentrations will allow us to have a better understanding of the current and future impacts of climate change, and can guide policies and actions that are designed to reduce the impacts of climate change.
